Seed Production Research and Characterization Intern

Vylor, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Vylor, Inc. invites a Seed Production Research and Characterization Intern to join our Johnston, Iowa research center for a three-month stint from May through August 2027.

You will work with scientists across field, laboratory, greenhouse, and growth-chamber settings, supporting trait development and seed production research on crops such as corn, wheat, canola, soybean, and sorghum. You will manage an individual research project, perform data collection and analysis, and present your objective,

Qualifications

• GPA 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or higher.
• Enrolled in agronomy, plant breeding, plant physiology, plant pathology, genetics, biology, or related field.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to remote field locations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Field observations and phenotypic data collection across crops.
• Support scientists with research tools, sample collection, and study execution.
• Plot maintenance, labeling, sample organization, and data quality tasks.
• Contribute to laboratory, greenhouse, and growth-chamber activities.
• Plan and complete an individual research project and present findings.

Skills

Self-motivation

Initiative

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Sophomore or junior standing in accredited college/university

Enrollment at an accredited college/university during internship

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of AgricultureAt 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 is seeking a Seed Production Research and Characterization Intern to support seed-parent characterization and production research at our Johnston, Iowa, research center. This three-month internship provides hands-on experience within an integrated agricultural research environment supporting trait development, crop protection, plant breeding, and seed production research.Working alongside scientists and research teams, you will contribute to field, laboratory, greenhouse, and growth-chamber activities involving corn, wheat, canola, soybean, and sorghum. You will also manage an individual research project and present your work to the broader Vylor intern group in Johnston.What You Will Do:Field research: Collect accurate field observations and phenotypic data for production-research studies across multiple crops.Research support: Support scientists with research tools, sample collection, experimental activities, and study execution in field and laboratory settings.Study maintenance: Assist with plot maintenance, note-taking, labeling, sample organization, and other activities needed to maintain research quality.Controlled-environment research: Contribute to laboratory, greenhouse, and growth-chamber work, including data collection and sample or data processing.Data management and analysis: Organize, process, and analyze research data using established protocols and appropriate analytical tools.Team collaboration: Collaborate with scientists and research teams in Johnston and, as needed, support research activities at other locations within the region.Project ownership: Plan and complete an individual research project, then deliver a verbal presentation summarizing the objective, approach, findings, and conclusions.QualificationsCurrent sophomore or junior standing at an accredited college or universityPursuing a degree in agronomy, plant breeding, plant physiology, plant pathology, genetics, biology, or a related fieldMinimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scaleEnrollment at an accredited college or university at the time of the internshipStrong self-motivation, initiative, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and as part of a teamStrong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skillsValid driver's license and willingness and ability to travel to remote field locations, including possible overnight travelWillingness and ability to work in varying field, laboratory, greenhouse, and growth-chamber conditionsPreferredPrevious agricultural, field-research, laboratory, greenhouse, or plant-science experienceExperience collecting, organizing, processing, or analyzing scientific dataFamiliarity with experimental design, phenotyping, plant biology, or crop-production practicesExperience presenting research findings through coursework, student organizations, employment, or previous internshipsWhat You Will GainHands-on experience supporting seed production research and parent characterizationExposure to field, laboratory, greenhouse, and growth-chamber research environmentsExperience working with scientists across plant breeding, trait development, crop protection, and related research functionsOpportunities to strengthen research, data-analysis, communication, and project-management skillsPreparation for future industry roles or graduate-level education in plant science and related disciplinesInternship DetailsLocation: Johnston, IowaDuration: Three months, May through August 2027Travel: Local and regional field travel, with possible overnight staysJoin Vylor to build practical research experience and contribute to the science behind seed production and integrated product development.Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.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.