Corteva Agriscience™, renowned as the world’s first dedicated agriculture start-up, is currently offering an exciting internship opportunity for recent graduates in the agricultural sciences sector. The company, which prides itself on enriching lives of both producers and consumers while championing sustainable progress for generations, is seeking a Graduate Junior Field Scientist to join its dynamic team based in Centurion, Gauteng, with additional opportunities in Paarl, Western Cape.
About Corteva Agriscience™
With a global footprint encompassing over 20,000 employees across 130 countries and 140 world-class R&D facilities, Corteva Agriscience is a major player in agricultural innovation. The company fosters an inclusive culture encouraging curiosity, bold thinking, and ethical action focused on customers, colleagues, partners, and the planet. Known for its collaborative and forward-thinking environment, Corteva is shaping the future of agriculture through cutting-edge research and development.
Role Overview: Graduate Junior Field Scientist
The Graduate Junior Field Scientist position is designed for ambitious graduates who want hands-on experience in agricultural research and product development. The successful candidate will assist Product Biologists and Senior Research Scientists with various activities, including field trial planning, sample handling, lab and greenhouse trial execution, data collection, and monitoring trial progress. This role offers valuable exposure to environmental health and safety (EH&S) protocols, regulatory requirements, and certification processes essential to product development.
Key Responsibilities
- Sample Handling and Application: The intern will handle chemical or biological samples, decanting, and apply them in field, lab, and greenhouse trials.
- Trial Planning and Data Collection: Preparation for trials, collecting and capturing data accurately, inputting into systems, and writing detailed reports.
- Support to Senior Scientists: Assistance during trial execution, including off-site field visits that may involve overnight stays.
- Product Development Trials: Execution of internal trials under supervision post-training and certification.
- Cross-Portfolio Experience: Work across different research areas such as Crop Protection, Biologicals, and Biostimulants.
- Regulatory Compliance: Gain insight into Good Experimental Practices (GEP) trial requirements and help the team maintain certifications.
- Administrative Duties: Managing general trial and regulatory activities, sample storage, and documentation.
- Travel: Occasional travel across South Africa to conduct trial evaluations in various climatic regions.
Collaborative Environment and Stakeholder Interaction
The intern will work closely with Senior Research Scientists both in the office and on the field, gaining exposure to research, development, and regulatory aspects of the agricultural industry. This cross-functional collaboration ensures a broad learning experience and an understanding of how different teams contribute to bringing new agricultural solutions to market.
Location and Work Environment
The internship is based primarily in Centurion, Gauteng, or Paarl, Western Cape, with a hybrid work model that includes office, lab, and field work. Travel is a key component of this position, as the intern will visit various field sites across South Africa to ensure successful trial execution and evaluation.
Candidate Requirements
The ideal candidate for the internship will have a strong academic background with a BSc, BSc Hons, or MSc in Agriculture or related fields such as Soil Sciences, Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Plant Physiology, or Agronomy. Experience or exposure to crop protection field trials is advantageous but not mandatory.
Essential skills and qualifications include:
- Valid driver’s license with practical driving experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as PowerPoint, Teams, and Excel.
- Strong administrative capabilities with keen attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, adaptable to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Ability to work independently while demonstrating commitment to high-quality results.
- Knowledge of field trial methodologies and South African agricultural legislation is a bonus.
- Fluency in English (spoken, written, and reading).
Who Will Thrive in This Internship Programme?
Corteva Agriscience seeks curious and bold thinkers eager to advance their careers and contribute to transforming the agricultural industry. Candidates who are collaborative, innovative, and passionate about agriculture will thrive in this role. The company values focused scientists who bring fresh ideas and dedication to their work, helping drive the business forward as a market leader.
What Corteva Offers for Growth
Joining Corteva Agriscience means becoming part of a global leader committed to solving the world’s pressing agricultural challenges. The company offers:
- Challenging assignments that build skills and capabilities.
- Opportunities for international rotations and relocation, broadening global and cultural perspectives.
- A diverse, inclusive work environment where employees are valued and empowered.
- Customized resources for professional and personal development.
- A performance-driven culture focused on speed, efficiency, and agility.
- Strong networking opportunities to develop valuable industry relationships.
Apply Now!
The Graduate Junior Field Scientist internship at Corteva Agriscience is a unique chance for recent agriculture graduates to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge agricultural research and development. With exposure to diverse portfolios, regulatory compliance, and field trial execution, interns will develop the skills and knowledge needed to build a successful career in the agricultural sector.
If you are passionate about agriculture and ready to be part of a team shaping the future of food security, Corteva Agriscience offers the perfect platform to grow what matters.
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