Research Scientist- Herbicide Tolerance Trait Assay Discovery and Screening Leader

Corteva Agriscience • Johnston, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Corteva Agriscience is seeking a Research Scientist to join our Biotechnology organization, serving as the Herbicide Tolerance (HT) Trait Assay Discovery and Screening Leader. This role is based at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, IA. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with strong expertise in herbicide biology and a passion for people leadership. In this role, you will lead the execution of research projects aligned with Corteva’s HT trait discovery pipeline, both through direct scientific contribution and by guiding a high-performing team. Purpose: Lead the development of high-throughput, decisive assays to accelerate herbicide tolerance (HT) trait discovery and optimization. It includes managing the execution of biological testing and characterization of HT traits. The individual will collaborate closely with research partners to deepen understanding of herbicide biology, align project needs and success criteria, and guide the team to successfully deliver on defined objectives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in plant science or a related discipline, including plant physiology, weed science, herbicide biology, or plant biotechnology, 5–7 years of relevant experience with M.S / 3–5 years with a Ph.D.
• Academic and/or industry experience in commercial seed biotechnology trait development, herbicide discovery, or both, along with demonstrated expertise in transgenic trait discovery, expression, and efficacy.
• Solid foundation in plant physiology.
• Practical knowledge of herbicide symptomology, biology, and physiology.
• Experience with herbicide mechanisms of resistance and tolerance is essential.
• Familiarity with rapid trait testing platforms.
• Foundational understanding of plant breeding in major agronomic crops is expected.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment.
• Agility to learn and pivot based on highly uncertain research outcomes.
• Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of experimental data and procedures.
• Computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Copilot, electronic database entries, imaging & image processing).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in high-throughput assay development is an advantage.
• Knowledge/experience in programming languages is desired.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong leadership by influencing, advocating, and aligning with project leaders and key stakeholders, while fostering growth and success of direct reports.
• Work closely with project leaders, Discovery Assessment Teams, and cross-site team members to deliver high-quality data for trait concept characterization and advancement decisions.
• Contribute effectively within small and large, multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with researchers across diverse scientific backgrounds.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to plan, manage, and execute advancement and development strategies for herbicide tolerance traits in key crops.
• Apply a broad range of scientific principles to advance potential innovations, products, and solutions.
• Maintain awareness of the competitive landscape and proactively support intellectual property development and protection.
• Execute specialized method development and experimental work, manage and interpret data, and drive data-based decision-making.
• Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, working collaboratively across locations and departments.
• Communicate technical strategies and results clearly to diverse audiences, both internal and external.
• Collaborate across teams to develop, implement, and execute high-throughput phenotypic assays.
• Continuously expand scientific knowledge in research areas relevant to the role.
• Model and uphold Corteva’s core values: Live Safely, Be Upstanding, Build Together, Be Curious, Stand Tall, and Enrich Lives.

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