Senior Research Associate Crop Transformation

Vylor; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development opportunities

Higher purpose

Health benefits for you and family

Paid time off + wellbeing pay

Parental leave

Retirement savings plan

Tuition reimbursement

Total rewards package

Life at Vylor

Job summary

Vylor in Johnston, Iowa, seeks a highly motivated Senior Research Associate for multi‑crop genome transformation and tissue culture development. This bench-focused role works across crops to develop explant systems and advance genome editing projects.

The candidate will collaborate across functions, plan experiments, and generate data with rigorous documentation, while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred; a bachelor’s degree with 2–5 years of industry experience will also be considered.
• Working knowledge of cell and tissue culture and plant transformation is highly desired.
• Proven track record of success on multi‑crop transformation research projects.
• Independent worker able to meet tight timelines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong planning, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication ability.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement multi‑crop transformation methods.
• Plan experiments, collect data, and analyze results for process improvements.
• Maintain safety policies and a safe laboratory environment.
• Support team operations, including explant prep and culture room maintenance.
• Provide technical support and training to production labs as needed.
• Prepare summaries and reports and present findings in meetings.

Skills

Plant biology knowledge

Biotechnology knowledge

Cell and tissue culture

Plant transformation

Independent worker

Multi-tasking

Planning & organization

Communication skills

No visa sponsorship

Education

Master’s degree in biology or related field

Bachelor’s degree with 2–5 years industry experience

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’s Crop Genome Engineering group in Johnston, Iowa, is seeking a highly motivated, organized individual with extensive experience optimizing transformation across multiple crops for a full‑time Senior Research Associate Crop Transformation position. Working primarily at the bench, the SRA will play a key role in multi‑crop genome editing projects and collaborate across functions to develop tissue culture systems for crop transformation and genome editing using diverse explant types, including immature embryos, embryonic axes, leaves, internodes, and protoplasts.

Responsibilities - What You’ll Do

• Design and implement innovative methods for multi‑crop transformation.
• Contribute to technology development and process improvement through experimental planning, hypothesis testing, observation, and data collection and analysis.
• Adhere to company safety policies, protocols, and procedures to maintain a safe workplace for yourself and team members.
• Support team operations, including explant preparation, equipment and culture room maintenance, media evaluation or improvement, process improvement, and information management.
• Conduct experiments and provide technical support while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and positive team environment.
• Prepare summaries and reports for supervisors and present findings at internal or external meetings as needed.
• Supply protocols and deliver training to production laboratories.

Qualifications - What You Need

• Master’s degree in biology or a related field strongly preferred; a bachelor’s degree with 2–5 years of industry experience will also be considered.
• General knowledge of plant biology and biotechnology. Working knowledge and experience with cell and tissue culture and plant transformation are highly desired.
• Proven track record of success on executing multi‑crop transformation research projects and hands‑on experience in plant transformation system.
• Independent worker who can perform under tight timelines with the ability to change course as needed.
• Ability to multi‑task and take on new assignments as necessary.
• Excellent planner, organizer, critical thinker, and problem solver, with a demonstrated ability to efficiently execute project tasks.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Please note there is no visa sponsorship provided for this role.

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 - Vylor Benefits
• Check out life at Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/

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.