Global Seed Production Research and Characterization Leader

Corteva Agriscience • Johnston, RI

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Corteva Agriscience, 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 for Global Seed Production Research and Characterization Leader located at our Global Business Center in Johnston, IA. This role is on-site in Johnston and allows for a hybrid work schedule (Tuesday-Thursday in-person; Monday & Friday home office option). Relocation assistance may be offered for this position. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a biological science with 3–5 years of relevant research experience, or M.S. with 5–8 years of research experience.
• Extensive applied knowledge of agronomy and seed production, typically equivalent to 5+ years post‑Ph.D. or 7+ years post‑M.S. experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and influence large, diverse, global teams.
• Strong communication, collaboration, interpersonal, and organizational management skills.
• Proven ability to build trust and engage effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Innovative, resourceful, and results‑driven, with a strong track record of delivering science‑based solutions.
• Deep understanding of the seed industry and advanced technical knowledge of seed production practices across crops such as corn, soybean, sunflower, canola, and hybrid wheat.
• Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to develop a robust network within Seed Operations and across functions including Commercial, R&D, FS&D, and regional teams.
• High accountability for timelines, deliverables, and team culture; holds self and others to a high standard.
• Demonstrated success in cross‑regional and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to influence decision‑making both with and without formal authority.
• Skilled at navigating conflict, ambiguity, and complexity across multiple geographies and operational environments.
• Proficiency in statistics, data analysis, and familiarity with machine‑learning models and data‑driven decision frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a global team of research professionals focused on advancing seed production processes through robust scientific plans, digital solutions, data‑informed decisions, statistical validation, and disciplined execution.
• Lead global Continuous Improvement initiatives with a primary focus on improving field yield.
• Maintain clear team focus on enhancing quality, reliability, yield, cost efficiency, and gross margin improvement.
• Build and sustain a pipeline of scientific talent through intentional mentorship, coaching, and capability development.
• Actively contribute to the protection and expansion of Corteva’s intellectual property through due diligence and effective management of third‑party research collaborations.
• Continuously challenge existing processes and drive innovation aimed at building a more deliberate, predictive, and high‑performing future for global seed production.
• Proactively seek feedback and maintain strong connections across the Seeds organization to anticipate and respond to shifts in business strategy.
• Partner closely with R&D, Field Excellence, Digital, Compensation, Production Leads, and Strategic Planning to identify and advance global opportunities that improve production reliability and yield.
• Lead change management efforts and contribute to cultivating a global culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Travel and conduct regular visits to global production sites and field operations (up to 25%) to build relationships, assess improvement opportunities, and provide coaching aligned to global standards with focus on Yield, Quality, Reliability, and Cost.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree