Seed Production Research and Characterization Intern

Vylor; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Vylor Inc. seeks a Seed Production Research and Characterization Intern for its Johnston, Iowa research center.

The three-month internship supports seed-parent characterization and production research, offering hands-on experience across field, lab, greenhouse, and growth-chamber activities. You will manage an individual research project and present findings to the intern group in Johnston, collaborating with scientists in crop breeding, trait development, and production research.

Qualifications

• Current sophomore or junior standing at an accredited college or university.
• Pursuing a degree in agronomy, plant breeding, plant physiology, plant pathology, genetics, biology, or a related field.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Enrollment at an accredited college or university at the time of the internship.
• Strong self-motivation, initiative, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness and ability to travel to remote field locations, including possible overnight travel.
• Willingness and ability to work in varying field, laboratory, greenhouse, and growth-chamber conditions.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Self-motivation

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Travel willingness

Independent work

Education

Sophomore/Junior standing

GPA 3.5 on 4.0 scale

Enrollment in accredited college/university

Field of study: agronomy, plant breeding, plant physiology, plant pathology, genetics, biology or related

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 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.

Qualifications

• Current sophomore or junior standing at an accredited college or university
• Pursuing a degree in agronomy, plant breeding, plant physiology, plant pathology, genetics, biology, or a related field
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Enrollment at an accredited college or university at the time of the internship
• Strong self‑motivation, initiative, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
• Valid driver's license and willingness and ability to travel to remote field locations, including possible overnight travel
• Willingness and ability to work in varying field, laboratory, greenhouse, and growth‑chamber conditions

Preferred

• Previous agricultural, field‑research, laboratory, greenhouse, or plant‑science experience
• Experience collecting, organizing, processing, or analyzing scientific data
• Familiarity with experimental design, phenotyping, plant biology, or crop‑production practices
• Experience presenting research findings through coursework, student organizations, employment, or previous internships

What You Will Gain

• Hands‑on experience supporting seed production research and parent characterization
• Exposure to field, laboratory, greenhouse, and growth‑chamber research environments
• Experience working with scientists across plant breeding, trait development, crop protection, and related research functions
• Opportunities to strengthen research, data‑analysis, communication, and project‑management skills
• Preparation for future industry roles or graduate‑level education in plant science and related disciplines

Internship Details

• Location: Johnston, Iowa
• Duration: Three months, May through August 2027
• Travel: Local and regional field travel, with possible overnight stays

Join Vylor to build practical research experience and contribute to the science behind seed production and integrated product development.

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

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.