Research Associate

Corteva Agriscience • Des Moines, IA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

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.
We are looking for a responsible and highly motivated Research Associate to join the Johnston Insect Facility Team. We are looking for candidates who take initiative, love to learn, work hard, and have a stable work history.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 2+ years of direct work in biological research and/or rearing of insect colonies.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, a high degree of self-motivation, and a positive attitude
• Strong leadership skills including leading by influence and representing your discipline within the larger team
• Ability to perform physical labor including repetitive work in warm and humid environments
• Strong work ethic and ability to take all tasks to completion
• Ability to read, understand and follow protocols and procedures
• Ability to work independently while being part of a highly diverse team
• Experience with computers, particularly in using MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.), and a willingness to gain competence in internally developed programs

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Entomology or insect rearing with experience in rearing various species preferred

Responsibilities

• Rear various insect colonies for research purposes.
• Administer feeding selections to create and/or maintain resistant insect populations.
• Observe insect colony health and biological trials relaying any issues to management.
• Assist with insect-based experiments using both plant and diet-based systems.
• Be responsible for all aspects of insect rearing, such as diet preparation, infestation, egg collection, daily maintenance, insect staging, sanitation, etc.
• Ensure compliance with multiple standards regarding safety and the handling of regulated organisms
• Plan for and deliver specific insects to researchers as required for projects
• Ensure all material necessary for rearing insect colonies and execution of assays are prepared properly and on time.
• Participate in troubleshooting issues with insect colonies
• Assist your colleagues with their tasks as time allows
• Work with insects and plants in a growth chamber setting, with potential to assist in experiments in a greenhouse or field setting.
• Organize and record data and observations in an electronic laboratory notebook.
• Perform occasional weekend work related to insect colonies
• May oversee contingent workers

Benefits

• 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
• Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level