Description

Corteva Agriscience is a leader in delivering novel and sustainable solutions for the future of agriculture. We are seeking a highly motivated Microbiologist to lead a bioactive discovery team located in Johnston, Iowa. The candidate will be responsible for the isolation, screening, and characterization of various strains towards the discovery of novel proteins. We are looking for candidates who enjoy being in a startup like atmosphere, working hands-on while simultaneously managing scientific/technical projects, as well as participating in broader project teams to enable downstream discovery activities.  

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

• Design and execute strategies aimed to discover novel bioactive leads via techniques of microbiology, biochemistry, computational biology, and molecular biology.
• Lead and manage a research team.
• Set research goals for projects and team members; evaluate employees’ performance; and guide researchers’ career development.
• Monitor research progress, identify problems, and explore new approaches to achieve  research goals.
• Communicate with research leadership and downstream teams on pipeline and progress.
• Coordinate internal and external collaborations.
• Improve and optimize lab processes. 
• Analyze results and present research at various meetings.
• Write protocols, reports, manuscripts, and patent applications.
• Keep abreast with relevant technical developments and actively solicit/pursue ideas from all sources, including academia, competitive intelligence, and up-to-date literature.

Qualifications

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

Educational Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in microbiology, pathology, computational biology, or related fields with over 6 years of relevant experience. Postdoctoral or applicable industry experience desired; or
• MS in related fields with over 10 years of relevant experience.

 
Competencies and Qualifications: 

• Keen interest in solving biological problems relevant to the industry. Specific knowledge of insecticidal protein discovery or herbicide tolerance mechanisms is highly desired. 
• Extensive experience and knowledge in various techniques of bacterial and fungal isolation, cultivation, characterization and screening.
• Extensive experience on bioassay development.
• Broad knowledge of microbiome profiling, enrichment and application of modern sequencing technologies for gene identification and isolation.
• A proven track record of creative scientific accomplishment as evidenced by a strong publication and/or patent record. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present research to audiences at a variety of levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage various research teams and projects.
• Ability to optimize existing methods, troubleshoot, and develop new methods for difficult microbes.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and integrate new technologies into past research programs.
• Demonstrated proficiency at experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Knowledge of utilization of various gene/protein databases, bioinformatics tools, modern analytic instrumentations, and computer skills.
• Knowledge and experience on computational biology or lab automation is preferred. 

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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