What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate II position at Benson Hill?
Company Overview
Benson Hill empowers innovators to unlock the global genetic potential of plants to benefit society and out planet. We are building the future of genomics in food and agriculture and are looking for talented and passionate individuals who will help deliver this vision. Our core values are to Be Bold, Be Inspired and Be Real You can read more about our purpose and values on our website at www.bensonhill.com
- 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 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 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.
Job Summary
We are actively seeking a Research Associate II to join our Research and Development team in Des Moines, IA. The RAII will be responsible for support of high-quality pulse crop yield trials and research projects. Critical responsibilities include execution of research projects, planting, data collection, and harvest. The RA must operate independently and be highly involved in team activities. Excellent organization, a can-do attitude, strong communication skills, a mindset for continuous learning, mechanical aptitude, and solid agronomic knowledge are keys for success. Possession of a commercial driver’s license or ability to attain is a requirement for the position.
You’ll make an impact by: (Essential Duties and Responsibilities)
- Execution of processes including seed conditioning, seed packaging, sample submission, and seed logistics.
- Assist with all aspects of yield trial establishment and harvest activities including traveling to station plots for planting, pesticide applications, collection of seasonal field notes, and plot combine harvest.
- Plot combine calibration/operation as well as retention of seed from plots.
- Manage equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Identify process improvements to existing workflows for planting and harvest across all stages of the program.
- Generate reports of phenotyping results and communicate progress to internal teams.
- Must be willing to work in outdoor elements throughout the growing season and have the ability to lift up to 75 pounds occasionally.
- Capable of timely completion of tasks throughout the research cycle and be flexible to program adjustments as needed.
- Ability to travel to winter nurseries and meetings occasionally.
You have:
- Education: Minimum Requirement is HS Diploma or GED plus 3 years of relevant experience; prefer Bachelors’ Degree in related field
- Qualifications/Skills: Experience with field research, Pulse crop experience is preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn proprietary applications.
- Certifications: Must possess or obtain a Commercial Driver’s License by hire date. Must possess appropriate pesticide application license or obtain by hire date.
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….