Plant Molecular Physiologist

Job Description – Plant Molecular Physiologist

At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.

Corteva Agriscience has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Research Scientist to join our Agronomic Traits team in Biotech R&D in Johnston, IA.    We are looking for a scientist with strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and outstanding problem‑solving abilities to support our efforts to improve crop yield and yield stability through gene editing and breeding technologies.  Applying gene editing to enhance yield and yield stability provides a unique opportunity to influence global food security, climate change, and environmental sustainability, which are all Corteva’s key R&D priorities. 

What You Will Do

• Conduct molecular plant physiological research on target gene discovery and edit validation.

• Hands-on lab, greenhouse and field work executing molecular, biochemical, and phenotypic assays.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams - including breeding, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and regulatory groups - to advance gene editing projects and product concepts.

• Design, execute, and analyze gene editing experiments using CRISPR/Cas and other genome editing platforms in various crop species

• Communicate research progress and findings to internal and external stakeholders through written reports, presentations, and data summaries.

• Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in yield/yield stability research and crop biotechnology.

What Skills You Need

• PhD in plant physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, or a related field.

• Must have demonstrated recent hands-on lab experience, ideally coupled with greenhouse and field research activities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in gene editing for crop improvement, including target identification, editing design, and characterization of edited variants.

• Knowledge of AI-based tools and their use in generating specific testable hypotheses.

• Familiarity with bioinformatics including generation and analysis of genomic and transcriptomic datasets.

• Strong critical‑thinking skills and the ability to adapt and respond effectively to experimental outcomes.

• Self‑motivated, proactive, and committed to continuous learning and high productivity.

• Excellent communication and organizational abilities, with the capacity to distill complex scientific topics into clear messages and actionable plans.

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.