SPD Research Intern – Native Traits

Corteva Agriscience; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 9,919,000 - 16,531,000; Full time

Job summary

Vylor, Inc. invites you to a 12-week summer internship in Johnston, Iowa, within the Seed Product Development Native Traits team. You will apply wet-lab molecular biology and computer science to marker discovery and validation for plant pathogen detection.

Eligibility includes enrollment in an accredited university, GPA ≥3.0, and 40 hours/week. You will collaborate across teams, present a final poster, and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic research setting.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled at an accredited university at internship time.
• GPA 3.0 or higher; sophomores preferred in scientific fields.
• Planned for 12 weeks, full-time 40 hours/week, Johnston, IA.
• Hands-on wet-lab skills in DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis.
• Proficiency in sterile technique; basic data handling (Python/R) desired.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with supervisor to develop, validate, and deploy molecular tools.
• Plan, prepare, evaluate, and analyze research projects.
• Present findings in a poster at internship end.
• Work with cross-functional teams to reach research goals.
• Maintain a safe lab environment and follow PPE guidelines.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

DNA/RNA isolation

Sterile technique

Python/R

GPA 3.0

Education

Enrolled at accredited university

Sophomore status preferred

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.

Join us at Vylor for an exciting and impactful 3-month summer internship within our research and development organization in Johnston, Iowa .

This position resides within the Seed Product Development Native Traits team. This team enables Seed Product Development by providing genomics tools and knowledge that 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 Vylor’s North American Pathology team.

The Native Traits team is seeking a motivated intern to contribute to our molecular pathology projects. During this 12-week summer internship, the intern will use wet-lab molecular biology techniques in combination with computer science skills to assist with marker discovery, development, and validation to aid in the detection and monitoring of key target plant pathogens.

Responsibilities – What You’ll Do:

• Collaborative Research: Work alongside a supervisor to develop, validate, and deploy molecular tools for global implementation. Participate in focused phases of research including planning, preparation, evaluation, and analysis.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrate independent and creative thinking by making observations, interpreting project data, and drawing sound scientific conclusions.
• Project Management & Presentation: Manage a defined research project, culminating in a poster presentation near the end of the internship.
• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to reach research goals.
• Safety First: Work in a safe and responsible manner, wear appropriate PPE when required, and embody Vylor’s safety culture.

Qualifications – What You’ll Bring:

• Education Status: Must be enrolled at an accredited university at the time of the internship. Priority will be given to students who are at least current sophomores in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Location & Hours: Able to work full-time (40 hours per week) and relocate to Johnston, Iowa for the 3-month duration of the internship.
• Technical Lab Skills: Hands-on experience in wet-lab molecular biology techniques, specifically DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, and other molecular tests.
• Sterile/Aseptic Technique: Demonstrated proficiency in sterile technique, as the role frequently involves plating, culturing, and maintaining fungal and bacterial plant pathogens on artificial media.
• Recommended Coursework: Completion of basic biological science curriculum, including one or more classes in microbiology, biochemistry, and basic laboratory research methods.
• Data Management: Ability to manage and maintain scientific data sets. Experience in a scientific programming language (Python, R) is desirable but not required.
• Work Environment: Willingness to work in lab, greenhouse, or field environments, and collaborate effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Soft Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.

Location: Johnston, Iowa

Duration: 3 Months (Full-Time, 40 hours/week)

Target Dates: May 10, 2027 – August 13, 2027 (approx. 12 weeks, with flexibility)

Are you a good match? 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.

Corteva Agriscience™ is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to boldly embracing the power of inclusion, diversity, and equity to enrich the lives of our employees and strengthen the performance of our company, while advancing equity in agriculture. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation are inconsistent with our values and will not be tolerated. If you require a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit:Accessibility Page for Contact Information

For US Applicants: See the ‘Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law’ poster. To all recruitment agencies: Corteva does not accept unsolicited third party resumes and is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.