Senior Research Associate

Corteva Agriscience • Franklin, TN

1d • 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. Corteva Agriscience is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate to join our Corn Transformation team within Trait Discovery and Optimization, Biotechnology in Johnston, Iowa. This is a lab-based, high-throughput production team leader role focused on executing transgenic and gene editing experiments. The successful candidate will lead the execution of corn tissue culture protocols, supervise Research Associates and Contingent Workers, and drive the adoption of innovative automation technologies. We are looking for a proactive professional who excels in a collaborative team environment and is committed to delivering high-quality results to advance our R&D pipeline.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, Biotechnology, Genetics, Horticulture, or a related biological field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Work Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in plant tissue culture and transformation.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in aseptic techniques, laminar flow hood operations, and bio-containment protocols. Strong background in industrial production settings or high-throughput R&D environments is highly preferred. Proven ability to troubleshoot biological protocols and identify critical steps for process optimization.
• Digital Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Power BI or Spotfire. Experience with EvEnger or similar Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is preferred.
• Soft Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills for reporting and stakeholder engagement. Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities in a fast-paced work environment. Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to a respectful, positive, and collaborative team culture.

Responsibilities

• Experimental Execution: Manage and execute high-throughput corn tissue culture and Agrobacterium -mediated transformation experiments for both transgenic and genome editing projects. Maintain a 70–80% hands-on workload in the laboratory.
• Technology Advancement: Lead the piloting, deployment, and continuous improvement of emerging transformation technologies. Serve as a subject matter expert in driving automation initiatives, specifically within corn leaf transformation processes.
• Team Leadership & Supervision: Organize daily workflows and supervise the work of Research Associates and temporary employees. Ensure all experiments are performed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with project timelines.
• Data Management: Accurately document experimental parameters and results in the EvEnger database system. Utilize Power Bi or Spotfire for data visualization and reporting.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary liaison working with BEGB (Biotech Event Governance Board) and Controlled Environment teams to coordinate experiment planning/initiation, weekly T0 plant sending, pollination request and pollen donor requirements.
• Operational Excellence: Maintain lab safety standards (PPE, SDS, waste disposal) and participate in essential support activities, including media optimization, equipment maintenance, and explant preparation.
• Data Reporting: Summarize complex transformation data and provide regular highlights, technical reports, and presentations to stakeholders and leadership.

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