Biotechnologist Graduate

Corteva Agriscience; Delmas; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A global agricultural leader is seeking a Graduate Biotechnologist Intern based in Delmas, South Africa. You will be responsible for producing high-quality genetic data using molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction and PCR. This role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable agricultural innovations. Join a diverse and inclusive work environment where your contributions will be valued and empowered.

Benefits

Global opportunities

Professional growth resources

Diverse and inclusive culture

Performance-driven benefits

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of relevant experience in a laboratory environment.
• Strong knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice and DNA extractions.
• Effective presentation skills for complex findings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare plant samples and perform DNA extractions.
• Uphold lab safety standards and support IP protection.
• Evaluate technical issues in PCR technologies.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Data Analysis

Effective Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Biology, Biochemistry or related field

Tools

PCR Technologies

Lab Automation

Job description

Growing What Matters Starts With You

Corteva Agriscience™, the world's first dedicated agriculture start-up, serves to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Our employees fulfill this purpose everyday by building/participating in an inclusive culture where we encourage each other to stay curious, think differently, act boldly and do what's right for our customers, our co-workers, our partners, and our planet. With over 20,000 team members from 130 countries, innovating in 140 world class R&D facilities, we have the resources, leadership heritage, and partner ecosystem to make a meaningful impact now and into the future.

#GrowWhatMatters

We’re hiring for: Graduate – Biotechnologist Graduate, based in Delmas

Learn how you can be our voice in the conversation about the future of agriculture.

As Biotechnologist intern, you will be responsible for producing high quality genetic data.

Join us in shaping the future of agricultural science. At Corteva Agriscience, we’re growing what’s next and that includes advancing biotechnology to deliver innovative solutions for farmers worldwide. As a Graduate Biotechnologist Intern in Delmas, you’ll contribute to producing high quality genetic data that drives our research and development efforts. From preparing plant samples and performing DNA extractions to supporting lab safety and compliance, your precision and curiosity will help us answer key scientific questions and maintain world class standards. This is your opportunity to learn, collaborate, and make an impact in a global organization committed to sustainable agriculture and scientific excellence.

You Will Be Part of Growing Team

Corteva Agriscience is committed to advancing sustainable agriculture to enrich lives and our planet for generations to come. In South Africa, Corteva manages its two brands of Pannar and Pioneer. It has been playing a great role on seed innovation, farmers trainings and participation on improving seed industry through cooperating with other stakeholders.

Your Challenges

• Molecular Biology: Prepare plant sample, perform DNA extraction, PCR, and data analysis.
• Safety & Compliance: Uphold lab safety standards and contribute to IP protection.
• Maintain Laboratory Resources: e.g., inventory, safety, calibrations, etc.
• Maintain record management practices in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices.
• Participate in experiments in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice requirements to answer key scientific questions.
• Evaluate technical issues with regard to PCR technologies, research, work with other laboratory personnel to formulate experimental plan, communicate and perform implementation of next steps to address and resolve issue(s) in collaboration with laboratory personnel.
• Responsible for equipment maintenance logs (daily, routine and non-routine) for the laboratory.
• Clearly and effectively communicate with stakeholders.
• Lab planning and execution.
• Producing high quality data that meets company KPI.
• Meeting turn around times of stakeholders.
• Effective communication with in team and stakeholders.

Key Stakeholders And Interactions

Interact with Global Seed operations on processing purity related samples. Trait integration and Research and development on timely processing samples. Lab team interactions with the focus on team building and fostering excellent communication to achieve task at hand.

To Grow What Matters, You Will Need

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Pant Breading, Plant Biology, Biochemistry or related field of study with at least 1 year of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice, DNA extractions, SNP based PCR, lab automation and data analysis.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for presenting complex findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently, collaborate within a team, and adapt to changing priorities.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Curious, bold thinkers who want to grow their careers and be part of a winning team.
• Market shaping individuals who want to transform the agriculture industry to meet the world’s growing need for food.
• Collaborators who thrive in a diverse, inclusive work environment.
• Innovators who bring initiative and fresh ideas that drive our business into the future and make us an industry leader.

Growing What Matters Starts With You… What Can We Offer to Help You Grow

• Opportunity to be part of a global industry leader working to discover solutions to the most pressing agricultural challenges of our time.
• Challenging work assignments that grow your skills, capabilities and experiences.
• Opportunities for interaction with other global colleagues to expand your global view and cultural experience.
• Diverse, inclusive work environment where employees bring their whole selves to work and feel heard, valued and empowered.
• Dedicated and customized resources to help grow your professional skills, industry expertise and personal perspectives.
• Joining us is a natural opportunity to strengthen your professional network through valuable relationships.
• Support the health and well‑being of every employee by offering world‑class benefits, meaningful work environment.
• Performance driven culture with a strong focus on speed, efficiency and agility.

To know more about Corteva please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs3CpU29-1M