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.
We are seeking a motivated and technically strong Research Associate to join the PCR and Marker Technologies (PMT) team in Johnston, Iowa. This is an opportunity to contribute to science that directly supports global crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, and the development of innovative solutions for farmers around the world.
The PMT team is a centralized analytical laboratory that delivers qualitative and quantitative genotyping assays and solutions to support Corteva researchers across breeding, trait discovery, and genetic engineering programs. Our team applies deep expertise in DNA and RNA detection, quantitative PCR, Reverse Transcription-quantitative PCR, digital PCR, genome-edited assay development, and production genotyping to generate fast, dependable, and cost-effective data for internal and external collaborators.
In this role, you will help onboard, validate, optimize, and enhance production assays and molecular testing workflows across crops. You will work closely with cross-functional partners to ensure assays are scientifically robust, operationally scalable, and ready for seamless deployment in global production environments.
The ideal candidate is curious, collaborative, data-driven, and enthusiastic about applying molecular biology and analytical thinking to solve complex problems. This position offers the opportunity to influence production genotyping strategy, support technology deployment, and contribute to innovations that strengthen Corteva’s global research pipeline.
What You’ll Do:
- Support the onboarding, validation, and deployment of qPCR, RT-qPCR, dPCR, and genome-edited assays across Corteva’s global production genotyping platforms.
- Design and execute laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance, troubleshoot technical challenges, and improve workflow robustness.
- Contribute to the implementation of new production genotyping technologies, methods, and process improvements.
- Analyze large and complex datasets to support assay validation, platform performance assessment, and decision-making.
- Maintain accurate records and communicate technical results clearly to scientific, operational, and leadership audiences.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across research, breeding, biotechnology, and production environments.
- Build awareness of current and emerging genotyping platforms and help connect molecular testing capabilities to breeding and germplasm improvement strategies.
What You Need:
Educational Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Plant Science, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in one of these fields will also be considered.
Competencies and Qualifications:
- Solid foundation in genetics, molecular biology, and nucleic acid-based detection methods.
- Understanding of genotyping platforms, including assay-based genotyping and sequencing-enabled approaches.
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems using critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and sound scientific judgment.
- Ability to lead projects, influence through collaboration, and drive improvements across teams.
- Experience or interest in statistical computing, data analysis, or scientific programming using tools such as R, Python, or related platforms.
- Comfort working with large datasets and translating data into actionable technical insights.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills, with a fervent desire to learn and excel.
** Please note there is no visa sponsorship available for this position.
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 Vylor! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vylorgenetics/
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.
