SPD Research Intern

Vylor; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Vylor, based in Johnston, Iowa, is offering a full-time internship within its Seed Product Development Native Traits team. The six-month program provides hands-on molecular pathology projects, enabling genome analysis with genomics tools while supporting the North American Pathology team.

Start is May 17, 2027, with opportunities to network across the company. You will work closely with a senior scientist in an industrial setting, contributing to marker discovery and development and gaining

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate degree in a relevant field.
• Willingness to relocate to Johnston, Iowa for the duration of the internship.
• Full-time commitment (40 hours/week) for six months starting May 17, 2027.
• Experience with wet lab molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis).
• Experience or familiarity with scientific programming languages (Python, R) is desirable but not required.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy genomics information and tools with the Product Development team.
• Demonstrate independent and creative thinking to interpret data and draw conclusions.
• Manage a research project and report progress within the intern group across the United States.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to reach research goals.
• Maintain safety and align with Corteva’s safety culture.

Skills

Molecular biology

Data management

Python / R

Communication

Time management

Relocation ready

Education

Master's or Doctorate student

Tools

Python

R

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 students for a full‑time internship within our research and development organization in Johnston, Iowa. We offer students the opportunity to work closely with a senior scientist in an industrial setting, and the students will have extensive opportunities to network across the company. The duration of the internship is six months, and preferred start date is May 17th, 2027.

This position will reside within the Seed Product Development Native Traits team. This team enables Seed Product Development teams by providing genomics tools and knowledge which influence and improve the breeding strategy of Native Traits for corn, soy, canola, sunflower, mustard, millet, rice, cotton, sorghum, and wheat. In addition, our group provides molecular pathology and genomics expertise to support Corteva’s North American Pathology team.

The Native Traits team is seeking a motivated intern to contribute to our molecular pathology projects. The intern will use molecular biology techniques in combination with computer science skills to complete marker discovery and development to aid in the detection and monitoring of key target pathogens.

What You’ll Do

• Work alongside a supervisor to develop, validate, and deploy genomics information and tools to the Product Development team. Participate in all phases of research including planning, preparation, evaluation, and analysis with supervisor.
• Demonstrate independent and creative thinking by making novel observations, interpreting data, and drawing sound scientific conclusions.
• Manage your own research project with the expectation of a verbal report to the larger intern group found throughout the United States.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to reach research goals.
• Work in a safe manner and embody Corteva’s safety culture.

What Skills You’ll Need

• Internships are available to students that are currently pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Able to relocate to Johnston, Iowa for the duration of the internship.
• Able to work full‑time (40 hours per week) for a six‑month duration, starting May 17th, 2027 (start date can be flexible depending on intern availability).
• Experience in wet lab molecular biology techniques, such as plant tissue sampling, DNA extraction, PCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
• Ability to manage and maintain large data sets. Experience in a scientific programming language (e.g. Python, R) is desirable but not required.
• Candidates must have strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.

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.