Research Investigator

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 Agriscience is seeking a highly motivated individual to take a hybrid role withing the trait characterization team as a Research Investigator. The candidate will lead or execute trait and innovation projects and participate on multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams to develop, characterize, and advance Biotech technologies for Seed Product Development as well as lead a group of highly motivated field scientists.

This role integrates hands-on field research with strategic leadership responsibilities. The Field Science Leader will lead a team of field scientists across the North region (IN, IL, IA, NE, MN, WI) managing trait characterization trials and supporting product development goals. The role combines technical execution with people leadership, ensuring high-quality data generation, team development, and alignment with regional and global business strategies.

What You'll Do:

Field Science & Technical Execution

• Lead and execute field trials for trait characterization: efficacy, agronomics, and crop safety across corn and soy.
• Lead day-to-day operations aligned to TCD at research centers and off-site locations, ensuring flawless execution of experiments.
• Apply scientific principles to refine protocols, support specialized methods development, and conduct field studies.
• Use proprietary software for experiment tracking, mapping, and data analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality data for advancement decisions.
• Support and lead stakeholder tours.
• Responsible for continuously updating their own scientific/agronomic background in research areas relevant to role.
• Live Corteva’s Core values – Live Safely, Be Upstanding, Build Together, Be Curious, Stand Tall, Enrich Lives. 
• Actively assist/participate in Research center audits, training, and stewardship activities. 
• Actively enhance cross functional productivity, communication, and site specific standard operating protocols.

Leadership & Strategic Oversight

• Lead the Field Science Team in the North region, fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and excellence.
• Responsible for budget management, people development, succession planning, and capability building aligned with regional and corporate needs.
• Ensure team members and research activities operate safely and effectively under EHS standards.

Interacts With

• Biotechnology and seed product development teams, regulatory and stewardship personnel.
• Research center staff and cross-functional discovery assessment teams.

What Skills You Need:

• Proven leadership experience in scientific or technical teams.
• Strong agronomic and scientific understanding, with expertise in small plot crop research.
• Demonstrated knowledge and field research experience working with regulated transgenic material or demonstrated agility to learn.
• Must be committed to a strong safety and environmental stewardship culture.
• Extensive understanding of the techniques and approaches associated with quality high-volume small plot crop research.   
• Excellent interpersonal skills, experience in working with research staff and a proven track record of operating in a complex team environment in a timeline-driven environment.
• Excellent computer, data management, statistical analysis, and data presentation skills are essential.
• Willing to work outdoors, wear personal protective equipment, operate agriculture equipment (tractor, backpack sprayer), and travel (minimum 20%) to locations to conduct trials and visit team members.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and strive for continuous improvement.
• Valid driver’s license. 

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as Field Scientist or equivalent.
• Either an M.S. in Weed Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Plant Science or related with 5+ yrs experience OR a bachelors degree in any of the above areas with10+ yrs experience in seed/biotech industry

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Team leadership and development
• Scientific rigor and innovation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Safety and stewardship commitment
• Effective communication and influence

Benefits – How We’ll Support You: