Research Associate (Agriculture)

TL;DR

Research Associate (Agriculture): Providing technical support for early plant growth stages in greenhouses and laboratories with an accent on substrate preparation, seed planting, and sample management. Focus on executing time-sensitive experiments, maintaining precise plant tissue records, and adhering to safety protocols in controlled environments.

Location: Johnston, Iowa, United States. No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance provided.

Company

Leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology to better the lives of people and fuel agricultural progress.

What you will do

• Support early plant growth stages in greenhouses, headhouse workspaces, and sampling laboratories.
• Execute substrate preparation, flat filling, and seed planting for time-sensitive pipelines.
• Collect experimental data, maintain records, and transplant materials into large pots.
• Manage the identity and storage of thousands of plant tissue samples for laboratory analysis.
• Prepare workspace, print experiment tags, and organize materials for future studies.
• Ensure strict compliance with SOPs and safety/ergonomics protocols.

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED with 2+ years of experience, or a Bachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant physiology, molecular biology, entomology, or plant pathology.
• Valid driver's license.
• Physical ability to stand/sit for long periods and lift up to 30 lbs.
• Tolerance for repetitive work in warm, humid greenhouse environments with pollen presence.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office) and ability to learn internal research software.
• Must have legal authorization to work in the US; no visa sponsorship is available.

Culture & Benefits

• Health benefits for employees and their families starting on the first day.
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year.
• Comprehensive parental leave with a minimum of 16 weeks for both mothers and fathers.
• Competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program.
• Numerous development opportunities to build professional skills.