Global Seed Production Research and Characterization Leader

Global Seed Production Research and Characterization Leader page is loaded## Global Seed Production Research and Characterization Leader locations:
Des Moines, Iowa, United Statestime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todaytime left to apply:
End Date:
March 3, 2026 (14 days left to apply) job requisition :
245503WAt Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter what your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – solving the world’s food problems through innovation, technology, and putting people first.

We have an exciting opportunity for
** Global Seed Production Research and Characterization Leader
** located at our Global Business Center in Johnston, IA.This role is on-site in Johnston and allows for a hybrid work schedule (Tuesday-Thursday in-person; Monday & Friday home office option). Relocation assistance may be offered for this position. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.
** Primary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
*** Lead and develop a global team of research professionals focused on advancing seed production processes through robust scientific plans, digital solutions, data‑informed decisions, statistical validation, and disciplined execution.
* Lead global Continuous Improvement initiatives with a primary focus on improving field yield.
* Maintain clear team focus on enhancing quality, reliability, yield, cost efficiency, and gross margin improvement.
* Build and sustain a pipeline of scientific talent through intentional mentorship, coaching, and capability development.
* Actively contribute to the protection and expansion of Corteva’s intellectual property through due diligence and effective management of third‑party research collaborations.
* Continuously challenge existing processes and drive innovation aimed at building a more deliberate, predictive, and high‑performing future for global seed production.
* Proactively seek feedback and maintain strong connections across the Seeds organization to anticipate and respond to shifts in business strategy.
* Partner closely with R&D, Field Excellence, Digital, Compensation, Production Leads, and Strategic Planning to identify and advance global opportunities that improve production reliability and yield.
* Lead change management efforts and contribute to cultivating a global culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
* Travel and conduct regular visits to global production sites and field operations (up to 25%) to build relationships, assess improvement opportunities, and provide coaching aligned to global standards with focus on Yield, Quality, Reliability, and Cost.
*
* Required Qualifications:

*** Ph.D. in a biological science with 3–5 years of relevant research experience, or M.S. with 5–8 years of research experience.
* Extensive applied knowledge of agronomy and seed production, typically equivalent to 5+ years post‑Ph.D. or 7+ years post‑M.S. experience.
** Skills &

Competencies:

*** Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and influence large, diverse, global teams.
* Strong communication, collaboration, interpersonal, and organizational management skills.
* Proven ability to build trust and engage effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
* Innovative, resourceful, and results‑driven, with a strong track record of delivering science‑based solutions.
* Deep understanding of the seed industry and advanced technical knowledge of seed production practices across crops such as corn, soybean, sunflower, canola, and hybrid wheat.
* Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to develop a robust network within Seed Operations and across functions including Commercial, R&D, FS&D, and regional teams.
* High accountability for timelines, deliverables, and team culture; holds self and others to a high standard.
* Demonstrated success in cross‑regional and cross‑functional collaboration.
* Ability to influence decision‑making both with and without formal authority.
* Skilled at navigating conflict, ambiguity, and complexity across multiple geographies and operational environments.
* Proficiency in statistics, data analysis, and…