Job Description
Job DescriptionJob Title: R&D Seed Technician
Job Description
As an R&D Seed Technician, you will play a key role in supporting global research and development for seeds and traits. This position involves engaging in various aspects of small material manufacturing and production, including indoor material processing and packaging activities such as receiving, scanning, cleaning, treating, sorting, counting, labeling, and shipping. You will operate equipment, perform preventative maintenance, and ensure compliance with operational procedures within a lab or warehouse environment.
Responsibilities
- Intake all incoming R&D seeds and materials and perform quality control checks to ensure standards are met.
- Prepare seeds for production in a detail-oriented jarring station.
- Assist in operating and overseeing the quality of production and filling processes.
- Manage the flow of seeds through automated equipment into cassettes for distribution to controlled research fields.
- Address and correct quality issues from the source filling station to reenter seeds into production.
- Conduct various quality tests for approximately 4+ hours per shift.
- Cross-train and provide support to other groups once quality control testing is completed.
- Operate research equipment, take detailed notes, and manage data accurately.
- Comply with regulated seed stewardship standards, safety inspections, trainings, and all company policies and standard operating procedures.
- Perform quality assurance tasks including routine audits, process validations, and corrective action implementation.
- Provide support for labeling, packaging, and other departments as needed.
- Prioritize safe execution of warehouse operations and ensure all safety protocols are followed.
- Perform tasks that may require bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, and long periods of sitting or standing.
- Work extended hours during peak season to meet production demands.
Essential Skills
- High School Diploma required.
- Bachelor's degree in agriculture, environmental science, or other STEM related field preferred.
- 1-2+ years of experience in agriculture, environmental science, manufacturing, quality, or GMP. A 4-year STEM degree may substitute for experience.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Shift and schedule flexibility for busy season (February/March-June).
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Microsoft Excel experience.
- Quality systems experience.
- Data management, tracking, and analysis.
Work Environment
The work environment includes a climate-controlled, clean R&D production facility that adheres to USDA regulations. There are multiple shifts available: 4 positions in the Shipping Area from 8am-4:30pm, 7 positions on the 1st shift from 6:30am-3pm, and 7 positions on the 2nd shift from 3pm-11:30pm. Overtime may be required as needed. The company offers 5 days of PTO and follows holiday schedules, including Thanksgiving and Christmas/NYE. Employees should coordinate with their teams for planned days off to ensure coverage.
Job Type & Location
This is an onsite, contract position, based out of Whitestown, Indiana.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Whitestown,IN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2025.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.