Research Technician

Vylor; Waimea/Kamuela (HI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Sign-on bonus

Four weeks PTO + well-being pay

Excellent parental leave

Retirement savings plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Vylor, Inc. in Waimea, Hawaii, invites applications for a Research Technician to grow corn in shadehouses, from planting to pollination and harvest, while documenting observations and contributing to population development. You’ll learn on the job and join a collaborative team focused on quality and safety.

The role includes a $500 sign‑on bonus. Candidates should have a High School Diploma or GED, be able to lift 20–50 lbs, work in warm environments, and be willing to work weekends or overtime

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to lift 20–50 lbs.
• Stand/walk for extended periods.
• Work in warm environments and variable conditions.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willing to work weekends/holidays/overtime on the west side of Kaua‘i.

Responsibilities

• Caring for corn plants from planting to pollination and harvest.
• Create strong, healthy plants with on‑the‑job training.
• Keep shadehouses clean, tidy, and running smoothly.
• Collaborate with team to complete daily tasks on time.
• Observe plant growth and document observations.
• Perform work safely and in accordance with instructions and policies.
• Support Waimea Research Center goals and other projects as needed.
• Data analysis.

Skills

Plant care

Teamwork

Observation & data

Safety compliance

Basic computer literacy

Pesticide handling (optional)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture

At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

Vylor has an exciting opportunity for a Research Technician in our Population Development team in Waimea, Hawaii, growing healthy plants and harvesting high-quality seeds that help farmers feed the world. Do you have a good attitude and curious about plants? We are looking for motivated individuals that are ready to roll up their sleeves and join our Shadehouse Team growing corn plants in structures. Whether you are experienced or not, we will teach you what you need to know so we can grow together!

$500 SIGN ON BONUS!

Please note: there is no visa sponsorship or relocation assistance provided for this role.

What You’ll Do

• Caring for corn plants from planting to pollination and harvest.
• Create strong healthy plants with skills you will learn on the job.
• Keep shadehouses clean, tidy, and running smoothly.
• Work closely with your team to ensure duties are completed each day in a timely manner.
• Observe plants as they grow and document observations.
• Perform all work safely and efficiently in accordance with instructions, protocols, policies, and regulations.
• Support all Waimea Research Center-wide goals, and initiatives. Interact and assist other projects at the location as needed.
• Data Analysis

What Skills You Need

• High School Diploma or GED
• Willing and able to occasionally lift, push, or carry up to 20-50 lbs. of weight.
• Willing and able to complete repetitive motions with wrists and hands, stand, walk for prolonged periods, stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Willing and able to work in warm conditions and in variable environments, including partially enclosed structures.
• Specific vision abilities: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Willing and able to work at various locations on the west side of Kaua'i, on weekends, holidays, and overtime when needed.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Agricultural or horticultural experience.
• Knowledge of Mendelian genetics
• Ability to read and communicate in English and work in a team of diverse cultural backgrounds and languages.
• May be asked to serve as a pesticide handler.
• Basic computer literacy for printing or using mobile devices (e.g., iPads).

Benefits – How We’ll Support You

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
• Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits
• Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/

The salary range for this position is $51,834.00 to $54,621.00.

This reflects a reasonable estimate of the targeted base salary for this role. This role is also eligible for an annual bonus. Based on factors such as geographic location and candidate qualifications, actual base pay is determined when an employment offer is made.

Corteva announced to separate our current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, operating as Vylor, Inc. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc. and your employment would be governed by Vylor, Inc. employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by Vylor, Inc. at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.