Automation and Phenotyping Lead

Corteva Agriscience is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Automation and Phenotyping Lead within the Controlled Environment function in Johnston, IA. This function is a core capability supporting the early stages of Corteva’s biotechnology product pipeline. The Controlled Environment facility is a 180,000 square foot research hub responsible for providing the seeds and data needed to advance future product candidates.

As the Automation and Phenotyping Lead, you will be responsible for delivering on biotechnology production pipeline targets. You will lead an experienced team of researchers responsible for activities ranging from transplanting, phenotyping, plant movement, and pollination.

You will partner across a broad range of internal and external domain experts to evaluate, recommend, and implement next generation technology solutions. These innovations will transform existing workflows and enable the function to deliver on the dynamic and growing demands of Corteva’s biotechnology pipeline.

This role will be expected to gain insights from and influence strategic initiatives across Corteva’s broader controlled environment network. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future technology strategy within a core capability at Corteva.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead a high performing team of researchers within the function.

• Deliver on production targets to meet the expectations of a dynamic and growing biotechnology pipeline.

• Leverage key performance indicators and data driven insights to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Partner with internal and external innovation providers to identify, evaluate, and recommend next generation phenotyping and plant movement automation technologies.

• Build capital justifications that influence future automation and infrastructure investment decisions.

• Collaborate with production leads to successfully implement new technology solutions.

• Facilitate the rollout and adoption of proven technology solutions across additional Corteva controlled environment facilities when necessary.

What skills You Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, agricultural technology, biological sciences, or related field.

• 10+ years of experience and working knowledge with high throughput production automation systems in the agricultural biotechnology domain.

• Ability to create and articulate complex business strategies to senior leadership and key stakeholders.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

• Strong people leadership, coaching, and relationship building skills.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a strong safety culture.

• Travel expectations are expected to be <10%.

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 - Corteva Benefits

• Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

Corteva Agriscience 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.