Research Center Leader

Corteva Agriscience • Indianapolis, IN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Corteva Agriscience is seeking a Research Center Leader to lead a highly visible agricultural research center in the Indianapolis area. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of agricultural innovation by bringing together scientific excellence, field research, operational leadership, stakeholder engagement, and customer-focused experiences. As Research Center Leader, you will create the conditions for diverse teams to succeed, foster collaboration across disciplines, and ensure the site delivers outstanding research, world-class experiences, and operational excellence. The role combines strategic leadership with practical execution, helping build and grow a flagship research center that connects innovation to real-world agricultural impact. During the center's startup and growth phase, the successful candidate will provide both site leadership and hands-on research project execution while helping establish the people, processes, infrastructure, and culture needed for long-term success. As the center evolves, the role will increasingly focus on broader organizational leadership and strategic integration.

Requirements

• PhD or MS in Agronomy, Weed Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Nematology, Crop Science, Plant Biology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related discipline with significant relevant leadership experience; or a BS degree with extensive directly related experience.
• Experience leading an agricultural research site or facility, field research program, or similarly complex operation.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing people, including coaching, talent development, and performance management.
• Experience managing operational budgets, facilities, equipment, infrastructure, and resources.
• Strong knowledge of field research, experimental design, agronomic operations, scientific quality, and data integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, assess, interpret, and communicate field research trials.
• Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to work safely in an agricultural research environment.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience across multiple crop, biological, crop protection, or agricultural technology platforms.
• Experience connecting laboratory, greenhouse, engineering, data, and field research activities.
• Experience supporting customer, executive, industry, academic, or public-sector engagement activities.
• Knowledge of regulated research, quality systems, stewardship practices, and research site compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting site startups, expansion projects, organizational change, or capability development initiatives.
• Experience utilizing digital research tools, operational metrics, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the vision, strategy, operations, and performance of a multi-crop, multi-functional agricultural research center.
• Build, coach, and develop a high performing team while fostering a culture of safety, inclusion, collaboration, and accountability.
• Partner with scientific, technical, operational, and business stakeholders to advance innovation and research excellence.
• Serve as the primary leader and integrator across site activities, helping align expectations, priorities, and resources.
• Create meaningful experiences for customers, industry partners, universities, community members, and visitors through field tours, demonstrations, events, and educational engagements.
• Oversee site resources including facilities, equipment, land, infrastructure, budgets, and long-term capability planning.
• Champion world-class safety, stewardship, compliance, quality, and operational excellence.
• Lead and execute a portfolio of field research trials during the site's growth phase, including planning, implementation, assessment, data collection, interpretation, and reporting.

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