Research Associate, Nursery Operations

About the role....

This is a great opportunity for a Research Associate to join our growing Operations team and help us expand our breeding and field testing capabilities.  The primary function of this position is to assist the Nursery Operations Lead in day-to-day operations of all aspects of breeding and research efforts for soybeans and corn including planting, pollinations and harvesting field trials, seed preparation, and maintenance of research fields and small equipment.  The position is based at our Lafayette, Indiana site.

As a Research Associate, Nursery Operations, you will…

• Lead or assist with all aspects of field research including seed packaging, planting, plot maintenance, pollinations, data collection, experimental design, and harvesting
• Assist with efforts to identify and select important and diverse germplasm to bring added value into our product portfolio
• Maintain an inventory of supplies used in research program, project future needs 
• Supervise and train temporary employees, and ensure a safe working environment
• Operate research equipment as needed. Operation includes both field equipment and lab equipment.  

You Bring…

• Associates or bachelor’s degree in plant breeding, crop science, agronomy, horticulture, or related field
• Knowledge of crop production, field research, and plant phenotyping
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to achieve team goals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and record keeping skills
• Ability to work extended hours during the peak planting, pollination, and harvesting seasons in a variety of weather conditions; able to lift 50 pounds
• A positive and entrepreneurial attitude.  Ability to challenge the status quo to spark improved strategies, methods, and practices in a fast-paced startup environment
• Energy, self-motivation, ownership and focused execution
• Curiosity; desire to continuously learn and have a meaningful impact
• Creative and strategic thinking, willingness to be bold and take risks
• A collaborative approach, open to giving and receiving ideas, perspectives, and feedback.
• A strong sense of purpose and drive to develop unique, high impact solutions
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for new challenges, innate curiosity, and a passion for learning
• Creative and strategic thinking, willingness to be bold and take risks, and the ability to recognize and learn from failure
• Ability to work both independently and deliver on responsibilities within a highly collaborative environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse range of individuals and audiences

Bonus Qualifications

• Plant breeding knowledge and experience with row crop breeding and seed production
• Pesticide applicator license (or ability to obtain)
• Experience with PRISM and Google Suites
• Experience supervising temporary employees. 
• Experience with drip tape irrigation installation and maintenance
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Experience operating research scale field equipment (tractors, planters, sprayers, combines)