Biotech Permitting and Compliance Lead

Posted:
4/14/2026, 10:32:29 PM

Location(s):
Iowa, United States ⋅ Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Legal & Compliance

Corteva Agriscience seeks a skilled and detail-oriented professional as Biotech Plant Permitting and Compliance Leader within our Global Biology Permitting and Compliance team.  This individual will coordinate plant biotech permitting and compliance for Brazil, South Africa, Europe and Meso-Andean regions. The role will be aligned to our seeds business following the planned separation of Corteva into two separate companies later in 2026.

This role ensures the seamless execution of regulated plant biotech activities in their assigned geographies.  The successful candidate will play a critical role in enabling seed biotechnology traits route to market and R&D operations, maintaining global compliance standards, and fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders and regulatory agencies.

What You’ll Do:

Permitting and Compliance Leader:

  • Lead biotech permitting and compliance for regulated plants for Brazil, South Africa, Europe and Meso-Andean regions.
  • This primarily involved writing the technical sections of permit submissions for assigned regions on an annual basis and coordinating with the in-country permitting and compliance team to ensure timely permit submission and alignment to global compliance and stewardship policies.
  • The scope of permit types includes domestic and international transport, field trials, and contained use as may be required.
  • In Europe and Meso-Andean regions, biotech plant permit needs are more sporadic and thus do not operate on an annual cycle.
  • The role also includes the management and maintenance of electronic records and database management used to enable automated global compliance systems that proactively monitor business activities and block unauthorized actions.
  • Working with team members, develop and maintain global policies that:
  • Ensure consistent compliance standards across regions.
  • Enable timely and accurate communication of permit and compliance data.
  • Support automated compliance systems and master data accuracy.
  • Prepare and submit U.S. permit applications with scientific data to support R&D activities as a back-up to the U.S. permit and compliance lead.

What Skills You Need:

  • 5+ years of experience working with regulated biotech materials and following all applicable compliance obligations.
  • Technical experience writing about plants developed using biotechnology, with a focus on conveying technical information to individuals who may not have a full understanding of science involved. 
  • Experience working under or obtaining USDA-APHIS, BRS permits highly desirable.
  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, entomology, regulatory affairs, or a related field.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience with compliance systems and data management tools.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and lead global initiatives.
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.

Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

  • Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills

  • Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place

  • Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment

  • Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays

  • Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father

  • Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program

  • Learn more about our total rewards package here - Corteva Benefits

  • Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life


Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.