Job Information
Corteva Agriscience Global Seed Production Research and Characterization Leader in Johnston, Iowa
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 first.
We have an exciting opportunity for Global Seed Production Research and Characterization Leader located at our Global Business Center in Johnston, IA.
This role is on-site in Johnston and allows for a hybrid work schedule (Tuesday-Thursday in-person; Monday & Friday home office option). Relocation assistance may be offered for this position. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.
Primary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Lead and develop a global team of research professionals focused on advancing seed production processes through robust scientific plans, digital solutions, data‑informed decisions, statistical validation, and disciplined execution.
Lead global Continuous Improvement initiatives with a primary focus on improving field yield.
Maintain clear team focus on enhancing quality, reliability, yield, cost efficiency, and gross margin improvement.
Build and sustain a pipeline of scientific talent through intentional mentorship, coaching, and capability development.
Actively contribute to the protection and expansion of Corteva’s intellectual property through due diligence and effective management of third‑party research collaborations.
Continuously challenge existing processes and drive innovation aimed at building a more deliberate, predictive, and high‑performing future for global seed production.
Proactively seek feedback and maintain strong connections across the Seeds organization to anticipate and respond to shifts in business strategy.
Partner closely with R&D, Field Excellence, Digital, Compensation, Production Leads, and Strategic Planning to identify and advance global opportunities that improve production reliability and yield.
Lead change management efforts and contribute to cultivating a global culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Travel and conduct regular visits to global production sites and field operations (up to 25%) to build relationships, assess improvement opportunities, and provide coaching aligned to global standards with focus on Yield, Quality, Reliability, and Cost.
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in a biological science with 3–5 years of relevant research experience, or M.S. with 5–8 years of research experience.
Extensive applied knowledge of agronomy and seed production, typically equivalent to 5+ years post‑Ph.D. or 7+ years post‑M.S. experience.
Skills & Competencies:
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and influence large, diverse, global teams.
Strong communication, collaboration, interpersonal, and organizational management skills.
Proven ability to build trust and engage effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
Innovative, resourceful, and results‑driven, with a strong track record of delivering science‑based solutions.
Deep understanding of the seed industry and advanced technical knowledge of seed production practices across crops such as corn, soybean, sunflower, canola, and hybrid wheat.
Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to develop a robust network within Seed Operations and across functions including Commercial, R&D, FS&D, and regional teams.
High accountability for timelines, deliverables, and team culture; holds self and others to a high standard.
Demonstrated success in cross‑regional and cross‑functional collaboration.
Ability to influence decision‑making both with and without formal authority.
Skilled at navigating conflict, ambiguity, and complexity across multiple geographies and operational environments.
Proficiency in statistics, data analysis, and familiarity with machine‑learning models and data‑driven decision frameworks.
Benefits – How We’ll Support You:
Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits (https://hrportal.ehr.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=2Nre68t3vrs%3d&portalid=351)
Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life
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.
Corteva Agriscience™ is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to boldly embracing the power of inclusion, diversity, and equity to enrich the lives of our employees and strengthen the performance of our company, while advancing equity in agriculture. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation are inconsistent with our values and will not be tolerated. If you require a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit:Accessibility Page for Contact Information
For US Applicants: See the ‘Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law’ poster. To all recruitment agencies: Corteva does not accept unsolicited third party resumes and is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.