• R&D Seed Technician

    Actalent (Whitestown, IN)


    Job Title: R&D Seed Technician (Contract)

    Job Description

    The R&D Seed Technician will support global research and development for seeds and traits by engaging in comprehensive activities, including indoor material processing and packaging tasks such as receiving, scanning, cleaning, treating, sorting, counting, labeling, and shipping. The role involves operating equipment, performing preventative maintenance, and adhering to operational procedures within a lab or warehouse environment.

    Responsibilities

    + Operate research equipment, take detailed notes, and manage data accurately.

    + Comply with regulated seed stewardship standards, read and follow regulated permit conditions, complete safety inspections and trainings, and adhere to all company policies and standard operating procedures.

    + Conduct quality testing on incoming materials to ensure they meet specified standards.

    + Support production employees by overseeing quality functions, maintaining quality standards, ensuring GMP compliance, conducting safety inspections, and overseeing hazard management.

    + 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, ensuring all safety protocols are followed.

    + Work extended hours during peak season to meet production demands.

    + Ensure efficient and effective operation of source handling and filling processes.

    + Conduct various quality tests for approximately 4+ hours per shift.

    + Cross-train and provide support to other groups once quality control testing is completed.

    + Assist in operating and overseeing the quality and filling processes.

    + Manage the flow of seeds through automated equipment into cassettes for distribution to controlled research fields.

    + Troubleshoot and resolve any quality issues that arise.

    + Intake all incoming R&D seeds and materials and perform various quality control checks.

    + Prepare seeds for production in a repetitive, detail-oriented station.

    + Address and correct quality issues from the source filling station to reenter seeds into production.

    Essential Skills

    + High School Diploma required.

    + Bachelor's degree in agriculture, environmental science, or other STEM-related field is highly preferred.

    + 1-2+ years of experience within a related setting required (agriculture, environmental science, quality, GMP).

    + Strong attention to detail.

    + Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

     

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

     

    + Microsoft Excel Experience

    + Quality Systems Experience

    + Data Management, Tracking, and Analysis

    Work Environment

    The work environment is a climate-controlled, clean R&D production facility with USDA regulated seeds. There are multiple shift options available, including 8am-4:30pm, 6:30am-3pm, and 3pm-11:30pm. Flexibility during the busy season from February to June is required, with the possibility of overtime as needed. The facility offers unpaid holidays for Thanksgiving (Thursday, Friday) and Christmas/New Year's (December 25th through January 1st, with a return date of January 2nd or 5th). Employees accrue 5 days of PTO, with the understanding that full weeks off are discouraged during peak seasons. Single, pre-planned days off should be coordinated with the area team during morning meetings to ensure coverage.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract position based out of Whitestown, IN.

    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 Dec 1, 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 [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.