Research Investigator

Corteva Agriscience • Indianapolis, IN

6d

About The Position

The Advanced Field Science Technology Engineering & Validation Specialist Sr. leads beta testing, readiness assessments, and tech scouting for new technologies that support data capture, automation, and characterization across global Integrated Field Science R&D . This role applies deep technical expertise to evaluate system performance, identify deployment risks, and ensure tools are aligned with science workflows and operational requirements. The Specialist plays a key role in scouting emerging technologies, coordinating subject matter experts, translating feedback into actionable improvements, and enabling smooth transitions from pilot to deployment. Technology Scouting & Evaluation Scout and assess emerging technologies with potential to enhance R&D workflows and scientific capabilities. Engage with external partners, vendors, and innovation networks to identify promising tools and platforms. Contribute to scouting briefs and strategic recommendations that inform validation priorities. Technology Testing & Validation Design and execute beta testing protocols for new tools across lab, field, and controlled environments. Evaluate system performance, reliability, and usability against defined success criteria. Document testing outcomes and provide recommendations for production deployment. Technical Readiness & Risk Mitigation Identify potential risks related to sourcing, integration, and operational deployment. Develop and implement corrective actions and contingency plans to ensure readiness. Collaborate with engineering and deployment teams to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues. Customer Workflow Alignment Ensure testing reflects real-world use cases and end-user workflows. Translate technical performance into user-relevant benefits and operational impact. Partner with internal teams to refine testing protocols and align with business priorities. SME Network Coordination Lead coordination of subject matter experts across geographies and functions to accelerate validation efforts. Facilitate knowledge sharing and documentation of best practices and lessons learned. Feedback Loop & Continuous Improvement Capture and synthesize user feedback during pilot phases. Translate insights into actionable improvements for engineering, product, and deployment teams. Contribute to iterative refinement of tools, scouting criteria, and testing strategies.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in agricultural engineering, applied science, or a related technical field preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in agricultural engineering validation, product testing, scientific systems integration, or tech scouting.

Responsibilities

• Scout and assess emerging technologies with potential to enhance R&D workflows and scientific capabilities.
• Engage with external partners, vendors, and innovation networks to identify promising tools and platforms.
• Contribute to scouting briefs and strategic recommendations that inform validation priorities.
• Design and execute beta testing protocols for new tools across lab, field, and controlled environments.
• Evaluate system performance, reliability, and usability against defined success criteria.
• Document testing outcomes and provide recommendations for production deployment.
• Identify potential risks related to sourcing, integration, and operational deployment.
• Develop and implement corrective actions and contingency plans to ensure readiness.
• Collaborate with engineering and deployment teams to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
• Ensure testing reflects real-world use cases and end-user workflows.
• Translate technical performance into user-relevant benefits and operational impact.
• Partner with internal teams to refine testing protocols and align with business priorities.
• Lead coordination of subject matter experts across geographies and functions to accelerate validation efforts.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and documentation of best practices and lessons learned.
• Capture and synthesize user feedback during pilot phases.
• Translate insights into actionable improvements for engineering, product, and deployment teams.
• Contribute to iterative refinement of tools, scouting criteria, and testing strategies.

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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees