Research Associate- Bondurant Iowa - Benson Hill

About Benson Hill
Benson Hill empowers innovators to develop more healthy, tasty and sustainable food by unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants. Benson Hill's CropOS™ platform combines machine learning and big data with breeding techniques and plant biology to drastically accelerate and simplify the product development process. This platform allows for cost-effective and more efficient ways for companies to analyze and make improvements in plant genetics. Benson Hill brings a unique and holistic approach to our product and platform development, as we span a broader workflow involving trait and seed development, genome editing, and breeding all the way to creating better ingredients and varieties that tap a strong consumer demand for more flavorful and nutritious fruits and vegetables. More information can be found online at www.bensonhill.com. Follow us on Twitter at @BensonHillInc.

Our Purpose and Core Values

Our Core Values are a set of common principles we share that are fundamental to our company's identity.

• Be Bold!  We redefine boundaries by providing new solutions to difficult problems. Together we are driven to transform the future and will not allow the fear of failure to prevent us from innovating. We voice our opinions, embrace change, and challenge each other to think creatively.
• Be Inspired! We have purpose in our work-we are curious, engaged, and have fun. We maintain an active learning mindset and are motivated by diverse people and thoughts. We are energized by all innovators and together we aim to make an impact and contribute to building a better world.
• Be Real! We understand who we are, what we want to achieve, and what it takes to get there. We hold each other accountable through timely, candid, and well-intentioned feedback. Together we engage in honest communication and healthy debate that leads to success through true alignment.

Department Overview

The Product Development and Analytics is responsible for the development of technology platforms and products designed to support the future growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of the company. As part of its platform development efforts, R&D conducts a wide range of research activities, namely in the areas of trait discovery and validation, crop genetic engineering, crop transformation, molecular detection, biochemical assays, plant growth, and molecular breeding, to name a few. These activities are aimed at developing new capabilities in crop research, the outcome of which is then leveraged to create new product development opportunities and shorten the time to market. The department leverages its platform capabilities and extensive knowhow in biology and crop science, along with the computational expertise housed within the Data Science & Platform Engineering, as well as the market insights of the Business Development and Commercial teams to design and create new and improved crop varieties, which offer tangible benefits to farmers and consumers, specifically in the areas of sustainability, health and nutrition. 

Research Associate: Position Summary

Located in Bondurant, Iowa the Research Associate supports research activities by performing routine research tasks under supervision. Follows protocols to collect data and log data findings.

You Will:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in seed packaging and processing
• Organize and conduct field experiments (Including: Planting, scouting, spraying, harvest)
• Lead tasks that need to be completed by other full time employees & seasonal staff to achieve quality results.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively within teams or across the organization
• Operate, adjust, and successfully troubleshoot various agriculture equipment such as: planters, sprayers, combines, seed threshers, seed counters, other field & lab equipment.
• Safely transport equipment to internal locations for success
• Collect and process seed and tissue samples for laboratory and field tests.
• Maintains clean and organized facilities, equipment, and instruments.
• Adhere to all safety and seed stewardship protocols and expectations
• Conduct projects and tasks as assigned
• Overnight travel and occasional weekends required

You Have:

Education

• Education: Minimum Requirement is HS Diploma or GED plus 2 years of relevant experience; Advanced degree preferred 
• Qualifications/Skills: Ability to carry out assigned tasks, fast learner, follow directions and protocols, and track results; strong customer service, patience, and passion for the work is needed.

Experience

• +2 years relevant experience
• Agricultural experience
• Field research experience preferred 

Software/Skillset

• Microsoft office programs and various software packages 
• Strong agronomic and mechanical skills
• Verbal and written communication skills 
• Operate small electronic equipment

Other

• Ability to lift 60 lbs.
• Pesticide Applicator's License or ability to obtain within 3-6 months of hire
• Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and Medical Examiner's Certificate or ability to obtain within 3-6 months of hire 
• Innovative mindset
• Must be capable of working extended hours during time-sensitive periods of growing season.
• Strong attention to detail
• Operate forklift in a safe manner
• Ability to focus, work independently, work as a team member, establish priorities, and proceed with tasks without supervision 

We have:

• A flexible PTO program with a focus on work/life balance
• Competitive medical benefits and retirement savings plan
• FREE Dental and Vision Coverage
• Education reimbursement
• PAID parental leave
• And more….