Research Associate

At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on. Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

About the role

You will support the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of high-quality laboratory, greenhouse, and field disease bioassays that enable reliable evaluation of plant disease resistance and trait performance. You will contribute to experimental planning, pathogen and plant material preparation, assay execution, data-quality monitoring, and continuous improvement of disease screening workflows. This role requires close collaboration with research scientists, technical staff, and cross-functional partners to ensure that bioassays are delivered safely, consistently, and on schedule while generating accurate, reproducible, and decision-ready data for trait discovery and product advancement.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of greenhouse, laboratory, growth-chamber, and field-based disease screening assays.
• Prepare and maintain pathogen cultures, inoculum sources, host plant materials, and experimental supplies required for reliable disease bioassay execution.
• Assist with experimental setup, planting, inoculation, disease development monitoring, scoring, sample collection, and post-assay cleanup according to established protocols.
• Monitor assay progress and environmental conditions to ensure consistency across replications, experiments, locations, and seasons.
• Guide and coordinate daily activities of temporary workers, interns, or support staff as needed to ensure safe, timely, and high-quality execution of experiments.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental design, assay conditions, disease ratings, observations, sample movement, and protocol deviations.
• Perform preliminary data review, summarization, quality checks, and basic analysis to support interpretation by research scientists and project teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve assay robustness, throughput, reproducibility, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Follow all applicable safety, stewardship, biological containment, greenhouse, laboratory, and field operating procedures.
• Communicate progress, issues, risks, and results clearly to supervisors, scientists, and collaborators.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in plant pathology or a related discipline such as microbiology, plant science, biology, agronomy, biochemistry, molecular biology, or plant genetics; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and hands-on experience.
• Coursework or practical experience in plant disease biology, host-pathogen interactions, microbiology, greenhouse experimentation, field research, or biological assay development is desirable.
• Strong interest in applied plant pathology research and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, growth-chamber, and field environments.
• Knowledge of plant pathology, plant biology, microbiology, or crop production systems is preferred.
• Experience with disease assay execution, inoculum preparation, pathogen handling, plant propagation, disease scoring, or field trial operations is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to generating accurate, consistent, and well-documented experimental data.
• Ability to organize multiple experiments, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adjust plans in response to changing biological or operational conditions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document protocols, summarize observations, and communicate technical updates to project teams.
• Proficiency with common computer applications for data entry, spreadsheet management, record keeping, and basic data summarization.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team-oriented research environment.
• Commitment to safety, stewardship, compliance, and proper handling of biological materials, chemicals, equipment, and research samples.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint, to facilitate effective communication and collaborative file sharing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, good organization skills, strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Please note there is no relocation or visa sponsorship available for this role.

Benefits

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• 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

Following the planned separation of Corteva’s advanced seed and genetics business into Vylor, Inc. (anticipated completion in the fourth quarter of 2026), this position will transition to Vylor, Inc. employment, subject to legal requirements and board approval.