Senior Research Associate- Discovery Trait Assays

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.

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate
- Discovery Trait Assays to support the development, optimization, and execution of innovative plant-based assays used to evaluate and characterize early-stage trait candidates. In this role, you will leverage expertise in plant biology, including but not limited to cell/plant transformation, in vitro and in vivo phenotyping, molecular biology to develop and execute robust screening platforms that generate actionable insights across a diverse portfolio of trait discovery programs.

You will partner closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to design experiments, implement new methodologies, and deliver high-quality data that accelerates trait advancement and technology development. Success in this position requires strong technical skills, scientific curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to independently drive laboratory activities while contributing to a collaborative research environment.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop, optimize, and perform plant-based assays to evaluate and characterize novel trait candidates.
• Use various transformation techniques to assess gene expression, trait performance, mode of action, and biological activity.
• Design and execute experiments, analyze results, troubleshoot technical issues, and recommend data-driven next steps.
• Design plasmid vectors to meet stakeholder assay requirements.
• Produce accurate, reproducible, and well-documented data while upholding scientific rigor and laboratory safety standards.
• Improve assay performance, throughput, quality, and efficiency through method development and process optimization.
• Partner with scientists, project teams, and technology colleagues to address research questions and advance discovery goals.
• Maintain the laboratory equipment, reagents, and biological materials needed for assay execution.
• Present experimental results and technical findings through reports, presentations, and team discussions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. in Plant Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or a related scientific discipline preferred; B.S. in one of these disciplines with 3+ years of relevant experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience with plant tissue culture, plant/cell transformation, and/or transient expression systems.
• Experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting biological assays.
• Proficient skills with Geneious Prime software
• Strong data analysis, record-keeping, and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced research environment.
• Experience with automation, imaging systems, high-throughput screening, or statistical techniques is a plus.

This is a site-dedicated role with expectation to be available during core office hours.

* Please note there is no visa sponsorship available for this role.

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…