Associate Investigator

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer, Brevant, and Hoegemeyer, delivering performance farmers rely on.

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

Vylor is looking for an Associate Investigator to join the Genome Editing Molecular Characterization team in Johnston, Iowa advancing the discovery, characterization, and deployment of CRISPR genome editing tools. This is a lab-based role with a substantial data component. The successful candidate will support gene editing technology development by completing nucleic acid based molecular tasks including DNA/RNA extractions, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) library prep, qPCR, and digital PCR.

Additionally, this candidate will complete high throughput data science analysis using various software applications and processing through internal pipelines and automation. Candidate will be expected to drive technology development and optimization with minimal supervision and able to troubleshoot procedures as needed.

What You'll Do:

Develop and validate reliable qPCR, digital PCR, and amplicon-based NGS assays to characterize gene-edited events at high throughput.

Participate in new technology development or process improvement studies – activities include experimental plans, testing of hypothesis, making observations, data collection, and analysis.

Mentor and train research associates and interns on molecular workflows and analysis methods serve as a go-to technical resource for troubleshooting.

Provide technical support and conduct experiments with a respectful, collaborative, and positive team spirit.

Follow company safety policies, protocols, and procedures, and ensure a safe working environment for self and team members.

What You Need:

Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Plant Science, Plant Genetics, or related disciplines with demonstrated industry-related experience, typically gained through 2+ years in a molecular biology or diagnostic laboratory setting, or bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant industry experience, typically gained through 8–10+ years in a related role preferred.

Required experience with genome editing applications and molecular characterization of edited events with additional proficiency to troubleshoot molecular biology processes, assays, and applications.

Preferred candidates will have demonstrated proficiency in specific nucleic acid molecular applications including DNA/RNA isolation, NGS, PCR, qPCR, and digital PCR.Preferred candidates will have high throughput experience in data science analysis of gene edited samples with skillsets in python and/or R for data manipulation.

Experience with Geneious or comparable DNA/RNA sequence analysis software program is preferred.

Participate in innovative technology development or process improvement studies – activities include experimental plans, testing of hypothesis, making observations, data collection, and analysis.

Experience with high-throughput laboratory automation would be helpful.

Proven abilities in developing and optimizing assays for reliable use within a pipeline.

Proven ability to maintain complete, accurate and timely records of experimental data and procedures.

Demonstrated critical and creative thinking and problem-solving skills are essential needs for this position.

Strong written and verbal communication to effectively document results and collaborate with colleagues.

Ability to work effectively in a team environment while also demonstrating…