Genetic Variation Analysis in Plant Genomes R&D Intern - 6 Month


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Job Title: Genetic Variation Analysis in Plant Genomes R&D Intern - 6 Month
Location: Johnston, USA

Company: Corteva
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Chemical, Pesticide and Fertilizer
Career Type: Researcher/Research & Development
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: Competitive
Job Description:

Who are we, and what do we do?

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 AgriscienceTM is seeking a Genetic Variation Analysis in Plant Genomes Intern for a full-time, 6-month internship, within our research and development organization in Johnston, Iowa. We offer students the opportunity to work closely with a senior scientist in an industrial setting, and the students will have extensive opportunities to network across the company. It is desirable that students have past practical experience in a research environment generating data and have relevant computer skills. Students are encouraged to be creative and take initiative, where appropriate, while working with their supervisor. Students are expected to always operate in a safe and efficient manner. Essential to this internship are interpersonal, organizational, communication, teamwork, and time management skills. 

What You'll Do:

  • Participate in all phases of research including planning, preparation, calibration, application, evaluation, and analysis with supervisor. 
  • Work in a safe manner and embody Corteva's safety culture. 
  • Demonstrate independent and creative thinking by making novel observations, interpreting data, and drawing sound scientific conclusions. 
  • Present project reviews throughout the summer and a final poster before colleagues and peers. 

What Skills You Need:

  • Internships are available to students that are currently pursuing a Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree in a relevant discipline. Students must have completed at least three years of undergraduate work before the start of the internship. 
  • GPA of 3.0 or better 
  • Must be able to relocate to Johnston, Iowa for the duration of the internship. 
  • Must be able to work full-time (40 hours per week) for a 6 month period

Questions for all Disciplines: 

What level of degree are you pursuing and in what discipline? When do you expect to graduate? 

Do you have any agricultural related experience? If so, what is it? 

Do you have any research experience? If so, in what disciplines? 

Please list scientific/technical organization memberships and leadership positions, if any. 

Please list scientific or academic awards, if any. 

 

Discipline Specifics:  

 

We are seeking outstanding candidates currently in the later years of their Ph.D. studies for a 6-month internship focused on genetic variation analysis in plant genomes and the study of natural variation and genetic diversity in elite and genetically modified (GM) lines. The selected intern will leverage advanced knowledge in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics, paired with computational skills, to analyze natural and induced genetic variation in both internal elite lines and GM plant materials. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Perform comprehensive analyses of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from internal elite and GM plant lines. 

  • Identify and interpret natural genetic variations, including SNPs, InDels, inversions, and translocations, with emphasis on homologous recombination and the landscape of natural variation. 

  • Analyze the frequency and distribution of recombination events and structural variants, focusing on repetitive elements, transposons and homologous regions—particularly in relation to two closely linked transgenes (CTLs). 

  • Compare recombination patterns between transgene regions and other genomic areas, and assess the influence of genetic architecture. 

  • Handle and interpret large-scale sequencing datasets using computational tools and bioinformatics pipelines, ensuring rigorous analysis and quality control. 

  • Integrate in-depth literature reviews with empirical data to provide robust scientific context and support to research findings. 

  • Draft publication-quality scientific manuscripts, summarizing methodologies, results, and interpretations. 

Qualifications 

  • Currently enrolled as a Ph.D. candidate in the later years of their program in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline. 

  • Demonstrated experience with the analysis of natural variation in plant genomes, including knowledge of homologous recombination, SNPs, InDels, inversions, and translocations. 

  • Basic computational proficiency in managing and analyzing WGS data, with familiarity in at least one scripting language and standard tools for the study of genetic variation. 

  • Solid understanding of concepts related to natural variation, including the ability to analyze variant and recombination frequencies. 

  • Ability to link observed genetic variation to functional, evolutionary, and breeding contexts, particularly regarding GM traits and closely linked transgenes (CTLs). 

  • Skilled in conducting comprehensive literature reviews and integrating findings into primary research for manuscript preparation. 

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex scientific ideas and collaborate within research teams. 

Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

 

Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.

To know more about Corteva please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs3CpU29-1M

To apply please click on APPLY TO THIS POSITION

Job Post Date: 09/10/25
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Career Type: Researcher/Research & Development
Country: USA

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