Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is currently seeking a Senior Research Associate in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. The Senior Research Associate is a key member of an aggressive soybean research effort to develop improved soybean varieties and germplasm in maturity groups late 0 to early-2.

• Plan and conduct field experiments consistent with a comprehensive commercial soybean breeding program.
• Responsibilities include coordination of: seed preparation, planting, sampling, herbicide applications, plot maintenance, disease and other agronomic trait ratings, harvesting, data collection, database management and supervision of staff and temporary labor.
• Develop and maintain proficiency with software. Identify and resolve data quality issues, analyze experiments and interpret the results, and assist the Research Scientist in making product advancement decisions.
• Supervises and is accountable for assigned projects and coordinates experiments with other locations.
• Oversee and conduct field research activities for the evaluation and/or deployment of different transgenic traits in compliance with government and company regulations.
• This position may require extended hours and overnight trips to off-site locations during peak periods.
• Additional travel may be necessary to assist at off-season nursery locations.
• Continuous training will be required in order to obtain new skills needed for utilization of new technologies and to stay current with changes in the industry.

• Bachelor’s degree in plant breeding, genetics, or related field and minimum 2 to 4 years of industry related experience required or equivalent amounts of relevant education and experience.
• Master’s degree in plant breeding, genetics, or related field and 0 to 2 years of industry related experience preferred.
• Excellent written/verbal communication, computer and organizational skills are required.
• Candidates should possess a demonstrated ability to work effectively on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• The candidate must have the ability to train/supervise temporary employees and have the ability to work as a strong team member as well as work independently when needed.
• Knowledge of soybean germplasm is desired to assist with data management and product advancements.
• Basic working knowledge of statistics, molecular markers, transgenic traits, and plant breeding principles is highly desired.
• Ability to observe genetic differences in the field, record field observations with a handheld computer, and manipulate data in the system.
• Ability to operate farm equipment is preferred but not required. This includes, but is not limited to, planting equipment, herbicide applicators, and plot harvest equipment.
• Additional certifications may be required in the future.