Research Associate - PCR And Marker Technologies

Description

Corteva Agriscience, headquartered in Johnston, Iowa, is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, agronomic support, and services to farmers in more than 90 countries. Corteva Agriscience seeks to increase farmer productivity and profitability, and to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Increasing populations, changing economies, and limited cultivable land are significant factors driving Corteva Agriscience to use the broad application of plant science to improve the value generated from each field.

The PCR and Marker Technologies (PMT) is a centralized analytical laboratory providing qualitative and quantitative PCR analysis to support Corteva Agriscience researchers as they seek to improve various crops through conventional breeding and genetic engineering. We are world-class experts in DNA/RNA detection and quantitation, leveraging the application of cutting-edge technologies to generate rapid and cost-effective solutions for our internal and external collaborators. We partner with our colleagues to provide agile and flexible analytical solutions to answer their experimental questions. We produce high quality data that unequivocally fulfills the experimental designs and answers the questions being asked.

PMT oversees the integration, optimization, and enhancement of production real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR (dPCR), and genome-edited assays, as well as process improvements to ensure high quality assays are deployed to run in production. This is achieved through collaborative efforts and shared ownership with cross-functional groups at Corteva Agriscience.

This position primarily involves leading laboratory activities related to the global validation of qPCR, dPCR, and genome-edited assays across all crops. Additionally, this role will contribute to the development of innovative tools and statistical analyses. These will aid in evaluating, troubleshooting, and enhancing production platforms and processes.

Responsibilities

• What You Will Do:

• Support the onboarding and validation of qPCR, dPCR, and genome-edited assays into Corteva's global production genotyping platforms

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to devising innovative methods for evaluating and forecasting assay performance.

• Lead projects to evaluate, implement, and deploy new production genotyping platforms and methods

• Ability to work and interrogate substantial amounts of data

• Shows a strong propensity for record keeping with the ability to communicate complex technical information to a variety of audiences in a clear and concise manner

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, demonstrating a willingness to help others

• Understanding germplasm and breeding strategies to help drive awareness and communication of current and emerging genotyping platforms to internal customers

Qualifications

Requirements

• What Skills You Need:

Educational Qualifications:

Bachelor's in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related field

Competencies and Qualifications:

• Understanding of genetics and molecular biology

• Understanding of genotyping platforms, including genotyping by assays and genotyping by sequencing

• Demonstration of solving complex problems requiring deductive reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving

• Strong people and project leadership skills with the ability to lead and drive change and improvements through teams across the organization

• Demonstrated statistical computing skills: knowledge of R, Python, or related would be advantageous

• Programming and scientific computing tools and the ability to manage and manipulate large datasets

• Capable of working independently and collaboratively while applying efficient time management skills

• Strong interpersonal communication skills and a desire to excel

VISA sponsorship is not available for this position

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Benefits

• How We'll Support You:

• 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

• Learn more about our total rewards package here

• Corteva Benefits

• Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.