Associate Investigator

Corteva Agriscience • Johnston, RI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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’re looking for a passionate and innovative Associate to join the Herbicide Tolerant Trait Assay Discovery and Characterization (HT-ADC) team within Trait Discovery and Optimization. This role is critical to advancing Corteva’s herbicide tolerance pipeline by developing and executing high-throughput phenotypic assays that support trait discovery and lead candidate selection. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge trait discovery efforts, collaborate with a high-performing team, and grow your career within Corteva’s innovative biotechnology space. If you’re passionate about scientific discovery and ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply. The HT-ADC team develops and optimizes assay platforms to identify and characterize genes related to herbicide tolerance. These assays enable biological testing of trait concepts, strengthen Corteva’s HT pipeline, and support the delivery of lead candidates for product development. Success in this space is built on strong cross-functional collaboration, working closely across multiple teams within and outside Trait Discovery and Optimization to align milestones, share insights, and deliver impactful results together. This is a site-dedicated position based at Johnston, IA.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in plant sciences or related fields (weed science preferred).
• Working knowledge/ experience in plant physiology, herbicide biology and mechanisms of action, resistance mechanisms in weeds, and biotechnology.
• Proven communication and collaboration skills within the subject matter expertise.
• Proactive, creative mindset with the ability to work independently and in teams.
• Experience/ knowledge in rapid trait testing, automation, imaging, and/or high throughput platforms.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to productively collaborate with researchers within the Assay Development & Characterization team and leverage learnings for continuous improvement, productivity and quality
• Agility to learn and pivot based on highly uncertain research outcomes
• Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of experimental data and procedures
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Copilot, among others)
• Computer knowledge on database entries, imaging & image processing, knowledge/experience in programming languages is an asset

Responsibilities

• Live Core values – Live Safely, Be Upstanding, Build Together, Be Curious, Stand Tall, Enrich Lives
• Design and execute experiments aligned with HT trait discovery goals, in collaboration with HT Assay Discovery & Screening Lead and other scientific staff
• Assist in developing new platforms and ability to independently optimize existing assay platforms towards identification and characterize herbicide tolerance genes
• Design and refine experimental approaches to test herbicide tolerance hypotheses and optimize assay performance and clearly communicate to technical teams for seamless execution.
• Ensure alignment of these activities with the respective scientists and collaborators
• Analyze and interpret data and communicate outcomes with recommended actions
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, data integrity standards, and regulatory guidelines in all research activities
• Identify opportunities to improve assay platforms and propose novel approaches to accelerate trait discovery
• Conduct hands-on work in laboratory and greenhouse settings (100% site-based)
• Safely handle and apply discovery chemistry, solvents, and commercial herbicides
• Understand functionality and operation of instrumentation including liquid handlers, imaging systems, and automated platform
• Communicate experimental designs and outcomes with HT Trait assay teams and contribute to the delivery of results to DAT/ stakeholders in collaboration with the HT trait Assay Leda/ scientists.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree