US Germination Lab Coordinator

Posted April 27, 2011
Business Dow AgroSciences, LLC
Kurz Purdue Technology Center,
Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette ,
1281 Win Hentschel Blvd., West Lafayette
Position Type Full Time
Start Date Immediate Availability

Duties / Responsibilities

Manage the germination testing lab at the DAS Seed Quality Laboratory in West Lafayette, Indiana for North American Seeds Production. The incumbent will ensure accurate and timely results as well as the safe and efficient operation of the lab. This role interacts across DAS Seed Quality labs, DAS Seeds Production and Supply Chain, seed affiliates, third party testing labs, and R&D to communicate results and to implement continuous improvement in the germination lab.

  • Plan the daily work of the lab and ensure that full-time and contract resources are appropriate for the lab to meet goals.
  • Ensure that methods are validated and that the lab operates with a known degree of accuracy.
  • Report results in a timely and seamless way to stakeholders.
  • Address questions regarding germination testing. Troubleshoot out-of-specification results and follow up with appropriate stakeholders to conduct root cause analysis for out-of-specification results.
  • Keep regular contact with the client plants and businesses to ensure that timely and accurate data is provided.
  • Facilitate regular batch status reviews by crop to identify and follow-up on quality issues and ensure timely product inventory movements.
  • Coordinate packaging and shipment of grow-out samples to planting locations and participate in evaluation of plots in U.S. and winter production locations.
  • Check for stakeholder satisfaction, and propose and implement near-term improvements needed.
  • Maintain contacts with related functions, including peer lab coordinators in Argentina and Brazil, and technical experts in R&D, for the purpose of sharing ideas and leveraging resources.
  • Remain current on seed testing technology, and implement technology improvements, consistent with the Business Analytical Strategy.
  • Manage small capital projects in the lab.
  • Supervise up to ten full-time lab technicians, with the anticipation that full-time resources in the lab will grow over time. Ensure personal growth of direct reports by maintaining daily interactions with full-time and temporary personnel.
  • Maintain effective communication with the overall seed quality lab team.
  • Set the annual budget for the germination lab and manage the costs of that lab.
  • Participate as a member of the DAS Seed Quality Lab Leadership Team to establish lab objectives and to track progress toward achieving these objectives.

Requirements / Qualifications

  • A minimum of a B.S. degree is required.
  • Biology, agriculture, or other life sciences degree is preferred.
  • Registered Seed Technologist (RST) or Certified Viability Technologist (CVT) certification is also preferable.
  • 3-5 years of experience in seed germination testing is highly desired.
  • Travel requirements include visits to seeds production plants, grow-out locations and third party labs within the US and to Indianapolis headquarters to meet with stakeholders. Annual travel is expected to be 5-15%. Selected candidate will also be expected to travel to the current seed testing lab in Marshalltown, IA until the lab is relocated to West Lafayette, IN at the end of FY11.

Company Description

Dow AgroSciences LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. Dow AgroSciences provides innovative technologies for crop protection, pest and vegetation management, seeds, traits, and agricultural biotechnology to serve the world's growing population. Global sales for Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, are $4.9 billion.

Application Instructions

Apply on-line at https://dow.taleo.net/careersection/10060/jobdeatil.ftl?job=1101775