Senior Research Associate – Plant Transformation

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®, Brevent®, 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

This is a lab-based position in Johnston, Iowa, requiring the ability to work efficiently both independently and in a team environment, follow and troubleshoot protocols, and deliver high-quality results on time.

Responsibilities

• Carry out soybean, canola, wheat, cotton, sorghum, and maize genome editing transformation experiments and collect data from experiments.
• Participate in new technology development or process improvement studies—activities include experimental planning, hypothesis testing, observation, data collection, and analysis.
• Follow company safety policies, protocols, and procedures, and ensure a safe working environment for self and team members.
• Participate in team-supporting activities such as explant preparation, equipment maintenance, media assessment or improvement, culture room maintenance, or information management.
• Provide technical support and conduct experiments with a respectful, collaborative, and positive team spirit.
• Provide summaries and reports to supervisors.
• Plan, manage, and execute tissue culture experiments performed with Agrobacterium and particle gun bombardment transformation in a high-throughput setting.
• Document experimental data accurately into database system(s).
• Participate in improvement of established methods to increase their efficiency.
• Develop new techniques and methodologies.
• Organize and supervise work of Research Assistant(s) and/or temporary employees, ensuring experiments are performed in a safe and efficient manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in plant science, biological science, genetics, or a related field such as horticulture or biotechnology, with at least 5 years of lab experience.
• Experience with aseptic techniques in laminar flow and bio-containment hoods and plant tissue culture/transformation.
• Working knowledge of transient and stable transformation with single cells, plant suspension cultures, and tissue explants for gene expression and characterization.
• Experience with light and fluorescent microscopy.
• Proven ability to handle multiple assignments and easily transition to new assignments in a rapidly changing work environment.
• Capable of proactively identifying problem research areas, troubleshooting, and finding solutions.
• Proven ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of experimental data and procedures.
• Experience and knowledge in laboratory safety practices, including use of PPE, SDSs, and proper handling and disposal of laboratory waste.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, and experience in databases and/or LIMS systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Willingness to support a high-quality laboratory environment through custodianship of equipment and strict adherence to lab safety practices.
• Ability to function both independently and as a respectful team member.

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

Benefits

• Numerous development opportunities to build your skills.
• Health benefits for you and your family starting 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, including a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father.
• Competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program.

Learn more about our total rewards package here.