Seed Treatment Scientist-Curran, IL

Position Summary

BRANDT Discovery and Innovation, LLC is seeking a highly motivated Seed Treatment Scientist to support the development, optimization, testing, and quality control of dry powder seed treatment technologies and seed-applied products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Seed Lab Manager in the development, optimization, and evaluation of dry powder seed treatment formulations and seed-applied technologies.
• Conduct laboratory research and testing to support the development of fluency agents, anti-static compounds, desiccants, microbial carriers, biostimulants, fertilizers, micronutrients, and plant growth regulators (PGRs).
• Evaluate new raw materials, carriers, and formulation technologies for product performance, manufacturability, and quality.
• Support formulation scale-up activities from laboratory development to pilot and commercial production.
• Assist in troubleshooting formulation and production challenges to improve product consistency and performance.
• Support the daily operation and maintenance of the Seed Treatment Formulation and Quality Control Laboratory.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, testing instruments, and analytical systems.
• Ensure accurate documentation of laboratory procedures, test results, and product evaluations.
• Follow and assist in the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), testing methods, and quality protocols.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
• Perform quality control testing on raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products to ensure compliance with product specifications.
• Aid in developing and maintaining product specifications and quality standards for commercial production.
• Support manufacturing teams by providing technical assistance related to formulation performance and quality requirements.
• Participate in investigations of quality-related issues and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.
• Maintain quality records and laboratory documentation to support production and product stewardship requirements.
• Conduct and interpret testing related to: Seed singulation performance, Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS), Flowability and powder flow characteristics, Static charge generation and mitigation, Bulk density, Cohesion and powder handling properties, Particle size distribution, Dust-off and adsorption characteristics, Product stability and storage performance.
• Work closely with the Technical Agronomy Team to support greenhouse, field, and commercial evaluations of seed treatment products.
• Assist with coordinating sample preparation and shipments for customers, research cooperators, and field trials.
• Provide technical support and product knowledge to customers, growers, and sales personnel under the guidance of the Seed Lab Manager.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, product summaries, and research updates.
• Collaborate with research, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams to support successful product development and commercialization.

Required Competencies

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Customer-focused mindset
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Technical understanding of seed treatment technologies and agricultural production systems
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and related software applications

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel (5–10%) for customer visits, training programs, industry meetings, research trials, and technical support activities.

Education and Experience

• Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Seed Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field with 2–5 years of relevant research, laboratory, or industry experience. OR Associate degree in Agriculture or a related scientific field with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience with seed treatment formulations, seed coatings, dry powder technologies, or seed enhancement products. Strong laboratory skills, including operation and maintenance of analytical instruments and associated software. Knowledge of corn and soybean production systems and seed treatment practices. Experience working in a product development, formulation, manufacturing support, or quality control environment. Understanding of powder handling, particle characterization, and seed treatment performance testing methodologies. Established relationships within the agricultural, seed, or dealer network are considered an asset.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.