Description

At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter what your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – solving the world’s food problems through innovation, technology, and putting people and environment first.

Corteva Agriscience is looking for a responsible and motivated Research Scientist to join the Protein Core Facility team. The Protein Core Facility within Protein Core Technologies provides protein expression, purification, and characterization support for discovery research, product development and regulatory studies. The primary responsibilities will be to apply their skills and expertise in fermentation technology to successfully express recombinant protein for gram scale protein production. This position will also support downstream process and protein purification to produce protein that will be provided to our clients for biochemical, analytical and safety studies.   
 

The ideal candidate will be someone who desires to be an integral member of a dedicated protein production team, has excellent scientific/technical leadership with strength in fermentation technologies, process development, and is passionate about hands-on bench work in protein expression and purification. 

Responsibilities - How will you help us grow? 

• Works with a highly dedicated and productive team. Responsible for the completion of assigned projects within timeline. 
• Works with group leader to establish project goals aligned with business goals. 
• Provides scientific and technical leadership, creativity, and management when designing, initiating and executing research projects especially fermentation projects.
• Responsible for operating and maintaining the fermentation equipment.
• Develops and optimizes fermentation process using cutting-edge high-throughput fermentation technologies (e.g. Sartorius AMBR250 technology) to improve recombinant protein expression.
• Scales up from high-throughput scale and develops high-density culture methods for gram quantity protein production.
• Serves as the liaison between internal and external fermentation groups
• Remains current on new fermentation technologies by participating in professional meetings, career development activities and by bringing information/technology into research activities.
• Provides protein expression, purification and characterization support in general.

Qualifications

Qualifications - What expertise have you grown?

• PhD in biological sciences, or related fields with minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in protein expression and purification or a Masters’s degree with a minimum 5 years of experience.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in fermentation technologies and fermentation process development. Experience with high-throughput or parallel fermentation technology and development of high-density culture methods are strongly preferred.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression and protein purification is a plus.
• Experience with downstream process, chromatography, and analytical skills is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment; ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Strong work ethic, self-motivated and goal-oriented.
• Excellent writing, speaking, organizational and computer skills.  

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

Our Campus:
Our Johnston, Iowa campus is home to 2,500 employees whose mission is simple – to feed the world. While our employees are busy working to solve world hunger and ensure environmental sustainability, we’re taking care of them by offering convenience and comfort during the workday with an onsite fitness center, coffee shop and top-notch cafeteria touting a grill, deli, fresh salad bar and a variety of healthy menu options. Need some fresh air during your work day? Take advantage of our beautiful, tree-lined walking trails or relax by the pond. We also offer countless opportunities to connect with your colleagues through community volunteerism, sports teams and parties, and holiday events. Did we mention you’ll be working in state-of-the art buildings with the latest technology with colleagues from all over the world? Join us in bringing food into homes around the world, while we make you feel at home while you’re at work.

Our Community: 
Des Moines, Iowa is the fastest-growing major metropolitan area in the Midwest with a nationally ranked high quality of living. It’s nicknamed the Silicon Prairie for its place as an up-and-coming hot spot for technology. Living here means Saturdays at the nationally renowned Downtown Farmers' Market, sporting events, a robust downtown night life and access to one of the most artistic medium sized cities. If you enjoy the outdoors, Des Moines offers beautiful nature trails for a casual walking, running or biking adventures. 

It means going to a job you love and coming home to a community of friends and family. Communities care about their residents and residents care about their communities, making a difference for everyone who lives here. This is a place where culture flourishes and opportunities grow, where a work-life balance can be achieved, where education is unmatched, and award-winning arts and entertainment are right around the corner. 

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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