About the role....

The Research Associate will work in a controlled environment facility in West Lafayette, IN and lead the production and delivery of a consistent supply of corn and wheat immature embryos. This position desires a dynamic, self-motivated individual to join our fast-growing and collaborative team of scientists. Additionally, the associate will identify opportunities for improving cultural practices and growth conditions for a broad germplasm of corn inbreds and/or wheat varieties. The ideal candidate will provide hands on work and data management to maintain datasets and collect varietal observations. Some of the activities encompass all tasks to grow quality plant materials effectively and efficiently. The candidate can expect a rapid paced atmosphere and is expected to be flexible, show initiative and good judgment to achieve established goals and deliverables.

As a Research Associate-Controlled Environments, you will…

• Manage the corn and wheat embryo production pipelines to deliver high quality embryos
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to enhance throughput efficiency and establish and track key performance indicators
• Execute and manage associated activities with team members to exceed established deliverables
• Maintain a greenhouse free of insects and diseases by embracing best practices that contribute to a sustainable IPM program
• Responsible for regular pest scouting and participation in pesticide applications
• Develop planting plans and coordinate planting trials for seed or embryo production and trait characterization
• Work closely with team members to maintain a completely functioning facility
• Contribute to process improvement and optimization brainstorming and experimentation
• Contribute to data collection, management and basic analysis to provide project summaries and communicate the findings to team members on a regular basis
• Learn and apply all regulatory, stewardship, quality management systems, and environmental, health and safety requirements

You Bring…

• BS in plant sciences or closely related discipline (plant physiology, agronomy, horticulture) with demonstrated capability
• Experience in field cropping or contained environments of major commercial crops
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, production environment
• Ability to work both independently and in a team
• Willingness to work weekend days and Holidays
• Willingness and capability to supervise assistants and develop leadership skill
• Creative and strategic thinking, willingness to be bold and take risks
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google software
• Understanding of experimental design and execution in greenhouse
• Working knowledge of IPM and the ability to identify diseases and insects
• Exposure to managing data in databases
• Collaborative workmanship across functions