R&D Seed Technician

Job Title: R&D Seed TechnicianJob DescriptionThe R&D Seed Technician supports global research and development for seeds and traits by performing a wide range of seed processing, quality control, and data management activities in lab and warehouse environments. This role handles seed receiving, cleaning, treating, sorting, counting, labeling, packaging, and shipping, while operating specialized equipment, performing preventative maintenance, and following strict operational and safety procedures. The technician plays a key role in ensuring that all seed materials meet defined quality standards and are prepared accurately and efficiently for research use.Responsibilities

• Operate research and production equipment for seed receiving, cleaning, treating, sorting, counting, labeling, packaging, and shipping.
• Take detailed notes during operations and manage data accurately to support research and quality documentation.
• Perform indoor material processing and packaging activities, ensuring correct handling and identification of all seed lots.
• Conduct quality testing on incoming seed materials to confirm they meet specified standards and research requirements.
• Support production employees by overseeing quality functions, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Perform quality assurance tasks, including routine audits, process validations, and implementation of corrective actions when issues are identified.
• Comply with regulated seed stewardship standards by reading and following regulated permit conditions and maintaining accurate records.
• Complete required safety inspections and trainings, and adhere to all company policies and standard operating procedures.
• Prioritize safe execution of warehouse and lab operations, consistently following all safety protocols and hazard management practices.
• Provide support for labeling, packaging, and other departments as needed to meet production and research timelines.
• Work extended hours during peak seasons to meet production and research demands.
• Lift and move up to 50 lbs as needed in support of warehouse and lab activities.
• Perform tasks in multiple areas of the R&D production facility, including receiving, jarring, tote maintenance, source handling, filling, sorting, and quality control.
• In the quality control area, ensure efficient and effective operation of source handling and filling processes.
• Conduct various quality tests for several hours per shift to verify seed quality and process performance.
• Cross-train and provide support to other groups once quality control testing tasks are completed.
• Assist in operating and overseeing quality and filling processes, ensuring accurate and consistent seed filling.
• Manage the flow of seeds through automated equipment into cassettes for distribution to controlled research fields.
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail and a strong quality-focused approach in all activities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve quality issues that arise during source handling, filling, and other processing steps.
• Intake all incoming R&D seeds and materials in the receiving area and complete required documentation.
• Perform quality control checks on received materials to ensure they meet defined standards before entering production.
• Prepare seeds for production at a repetitive, detail-oriented jarring station, ensuring accurate labeling and handling.
• Perform tote maintenance by addressing and correcting quality issues from the source filling station so that seeds can reenter production.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma required.
• 12+ years of experience in a related setting such as agriculture, environmental science, quality, or GMP environments, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong attention to detail in repetitive and data-driven tasks.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production and research environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed to support lab and warehouse operations.
• Experience with quality control and quality assurance activities, including testing and documentation.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and regulated permit conditions.
• Comfort with operating equipment and performing basic preventative maintenance.
• Ability to accurately record, manage, and interpret data related to seed processing and quality testing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in agriculture, environmental science, or another STEM-related field is highly preferred.
• Experience working in agricultural research, seed production, or related R&D environments.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulated stewardship standards.
• Experience in packaging, quality control, and quality assurance within a lab or production setting.
• Ability to cross-train and support multiple functional areas, including quality control, filling, receiving, jarring, and tote maintenance.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks during peak workload periods.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with production and quality teams.

Work EnvironmentThis role operates within both lab and warehouse environments in an R&D production facility focused on seeds and traits. The technician works with automated and manual equipment for seed receiving, cleaning, treating, sorting, filling, jarring, packaging, and shipping. The position involves repetitive, detail-oriented tasks at dedicated stations, as well as movement throughout the facility to support different areas such as receiving, quality control, filling, and tote maintenance. Work is fast paced, particularly during peak seasons when extended hours may be required to meet production and research timelines. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to safety protocols, regulated seed stewardship standards, Good Manufacturing Practices, and standard operating procedures. The role requires regular lifting of up to 50 lbs and consistent use of proper safety practices appropriate for lab and warehouse settings. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Whitestown, IN. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Whitestown, IN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Whitestown,IN.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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.