Seed Physiologist
West Chicago, IL PanAmerican Seed Co.
Job Type
Full-time
Description

  

We’re looking for an experienced and curious Seed Physiologist (Master’s or PhD level) to join our world-class team. In this role, you’ll lead efforts to improve post-harvest seed quality, germination, and stand establishment—key outcomes that directly impact growers’ success around the world.


You’ll collaborate with multiple departments across our organization—all highly skilled in their fields and ready to support your research. This is a hands-on role where your ideas and experiments will translate directly into better seed performance and stronger commercial results.

 

Why You’ll Love Working Here 

This is your chance to make a measurable impact in a company that’s already setting the standard for innovation in the seed industry. You’ll join a passionate, highly skilled team and gain access to world-class facilities, cutting-edge tools, and the opportunity to shape the future of seed technology. 


What You’ll Do

  • Lead research projects to improve post-harvest seed quality and germination outcomes.
  • Develop and implement seed enhancement and disinfection protocols.
  • Partner with Product Management to identify and prioritize high-value seed lots that need improvement.
  • Collaborate with departments specializing in testing, priming, pelleting, coating, and pathology to design and execute experiments.
  • Use automated data collection systems, color imaging, and AI-based evaluation to analyze results and track progress.
  • Document and share your findings with internal teams and industry partners.
  • Represent the company at conferences and customer visits to share insights and innovations.

What You’ll Work With

You’ll have access to some of the most advanced seed technology resources in the industry, including:

  • State-of-the-art seed testing facilities with automated growing environments, image analysis, and AI-driven evaluation tools.
  • Priming labs offering multiple priming techniques supported by expert technicians.
  • Automated pelleting and coating facilities for both single- and multi-seed treatments and custom formulations.
  • Seed conditioning equipment such as air columns, gravity decks, laser scarifies, and multispectral Vis/X-ray sorters.
  • A full pathology department dedicated to seed health and cleaning diagnostics.
  • Global technical services teams that help test your results in real-world grower environments.
Requirements

 What You’ll Bring

  • Master’s or PhD in Seed Physiology, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
  • 3–5+ years of research experience in seed physiology or seed quality improvement.
  • Experience with automated data collection and advanced analytical tools.
  • Background in environmental stress physiology is a plus.
  • Excellent collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Experience with pelleting, coating, or seed formulation is helpful.
  • Willingness to travel (5–10%) for conferences and customer visits, domestically and internationally
  • Plans and Aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals
  • Develops Talent: Places a high priority on developing others 
  • Collaborates: Builds partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives 
  • Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences 
  • Drives Results: Consistently achieve results, even under tough circumstances

Salary Range: $75-115k


Physical Requirements

  • Ability to Lift/Carry 10 lbs 10% of the day
  • Ability to push/pull 10 lbs 10% of the day 
  • Ability to sit/stand 100% of the day 
  • Ability to use hands/fingers 100% of the day 

  

Our promise to you: 

We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable. 


In addition to this we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes: 

  • Medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
  • 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
  • Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs
  • An onsite subsidized café overlooking renowned display gardens and restored natural area