Description

Who are we, and what do we do?
Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity to enhance yield and profitability. In 2021, Corteva Agriscience generated revenues valued at around 15.66 billion U.S. dollars.

At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.

Corteva Agriscience is seeking an outstanding candidate to fill a Research Associate (RA) position in the Molecular Plant Pathology (MPP) team. The RA will serve as an integral member of the MPP team focused on pathogen characterization, molecular tool development for disease diagnostic, pathogenicity studies, race genotyping, and tracking shifts in pathogen population genetic in the field. The responsibilities of the RA will involve, but are not limited to, molecular lab bench work as well as pathogen characterization in growth chambers, greenhouses, and fields. The position will involve close collaboration with other teams in the Global Plant Pathology group as well as with teams outside of the GPP group. The candidate is expected to participate and contribute at all phases of the team’s projects from setting priorities, and task planning to the execution of the experiments, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. 

Responsibilities:
How will you help us grow? It matters to us, and it matters to you!

• Contribute to the team’s projects related to disease assays, pathogen gene discovery, and functional characterization.  
• Involvement in and responsibility for lab bench work including, but not limited to, gene cloning, gene expression analysis, DNA and RNA extraction and handling, and protein works such as western blotting. 
• Develop molecular tools for pathogen characterization and disease diagnostics
• Contribute to disease assays development, inoculum preparation, pathogen inoculation in growth chambers/greenhouses and field, depending on the experimental needs.
• Work with team members and supervisor to develop new protocols and SOPs, troubleshoot and optimize existing or new protocols and SOPs.
• Design and execute experiments following protocols and SOPs in the lab, greenhouse, growth chamber, and field.
• Work with cross-functional teams to complete experiments in timely manner. 
• Collect experimental data, compile, and analyze the data, prepare technical reports, and give group presentations as necessary.
• Involved in disease resistance genotyping, sequence data analysis and phenotyping of candidate genes. 
• Participate in genomic data mining from both in-house and in public domain information to support projects.
• Manage the day-to-day Molecular Plant Pathology lab work and other needs in a timely manner
• Strictly adhere to Corteva’s safety and record keeping policies and values.
   

Qualifications

Requirements:
What expertise have you grown? What do you bring to the table?
Education and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in Molecular plant pathology, biology, microbiology, genetics, plant breeding or related field, or bachelor’s degree, in the same field, with 3-5 years of direct experience in Molecular pathology/biology lab bench work. 
• Hands-on experience in molecular pathology lab bench work, disease assays in growth chamber, greenhouse, and field.
• Have basic knowledge of sequence analysis such as alignment, searches, etc.
• Have good experience in working with various crop pathogens 

Competencies: 

• Demonstrated a strong understanding of plant pathogens, disease resistance, plant-microbe interaction, plant genetics and breeding for disease resistance.
• Proficient in performing routine molecular plant pathology/biology, and biochemistry techniques in the laboratory. 
• Experience with concepts, tools, and methods to discover pathogen effectors (virulence factors) and application to disease resistance product development.
• Excellent understanding of genes/genome sequence analyses and familiar with software programs routinely used for sequence analyses, gene search, vector construction, sequence alignment, etc.
• Experience with genome editing and its concept.
• Ability to work well in a multi-cultural and disciplinary team settings, 
• Proficient in verbal and written communication, strong organizational and interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrated competency to effectively prioritize projects, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. 

Community:

We care about you and we care that you're comfortable. While there's no place like home, Corteva comes close.

Benefits:
Let’s peek at how you can grow your wellbeing, health, and future at Corteva! 

• Strike a better work-life balance with robust time off benefits including paid maternity, paternal and family illness leave
• Prepare for your future with our competitive retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement program, and more
• Enjoy access to health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• And much, much more! 

Ready to grow your perspectives, impact and career? We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. Start by applying to this opportunity today!

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