Research Associate

Who Are We, And What Do We Do?

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.

We are looking for a responsible and highly motivated Research Associate to join the Controlled Environments Team. Here, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter what your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – solving the world’s food problems through innovation, technology, and putting people first. We have an exciting opportunity to join our company at our Johnston, Iowa research facility.

What You’ll Do:

Provide support across all areas of the early plant growths stages, including work in greenhouses, headhouse workspaces, and sampling laboratories. Duties involve operating substrate machinery, hoists, watering equipment, sampling tools, and computers. Routine tasks include:

• Initiating new greenhouse experiments by seeding or transplanting plant material into substrate flats.
• Support prioritized pipelines by coordinating and executing substrate preparation, flat filling, and seed planting to accommodate time sensitive experiment timelines.
• Assist with experiments by collecting data, maintaining records, transporting flats to greenhouses, and transplanting into large pots.  
• Punch or cut and store small samples of plant tissue and delivery for laboratory analysis. Carefully maintain sample identity for thousands of samples at a time while maintaining proper storage conditions.
• Prepare for future experiments by printing tags for experiments, preparing flats, cleaning and organizing workspace.
• Keep up with SOPs & other training required.

What You Need:

• High school diploma/GED, with two or more years related job experience. Bachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant physiology, molecular biology, entomology, or plant pathology preferred; or bachelor’s degree in related field or three or more years of related experience also acceptable.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and follow standard operating and safety/ergonomics protocols is essential.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, a high degree of self-motivation, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well independently as well as a team member with minimal supervision.
• Basic computer skills preferred, including MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook), and ability to gain competency with internally developed research software.
• Must be able to stand and sit for long periods of time and lift up to 30 lbs. Must be able to tolerate hours of repetitive work in a warm, humid greenhouse with pollen present year-round.
• A valid driver’s license
  Hours:

Work shift is 7:30AM – 4:00PM, Monday through Friday. Potential for occasional, but not regular, weekend or holiday work.

***Please note there is no visa sponsorship or relocation assistance provided for this role.

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.