The Dow AgroSciences (DAS) North American Seeds Quality Control Team is seeking a US Germination Lab Coordinator to manage the germination testing lab at the DAS Seed Quality Laboratory in West Lafayette, Indiana for North American Seeds Production.  The incumbent will ensure accurate and timely results as well as the safe and efficient operation of the lab.  This role interacts across DAS Seed Quality labs, DAS Seeds Production and Supply Chain, seed affiliates, third party testing labs, and R&D to communicate results and to implement continuous improvement in the germination lab.

 

• Plan the daily work of the lab and ensure that full-time and contract resources are appropriate for the lab to meet goals.
• Ensure that methods are validated and that the lab operates with a known degree of accuracy.
• Report results in a timely and seamless way to stakeholders.
• Address questions regarding germination testing.  Troubleshoot out-of-specification results and follow up with appropriate stakeholders to conduct root cause analysis for out-of-specification results.
• Keep regular contact with the client plants and businesses to ensure that timely and accurate data are provided.
• Facilitate regular batch status reviews by crop to identify and follow-up on quality issues and ensure timely product inventory movements.
• Coordinate packaging and shipment of grow-out samples to planting locations and participate in evaluation of plots in U.S. and winter production locations. 
• Check for stakeholder satisfaction, and propose and implement near-term improvements needed.
• Maintain contacts with related functions, including peer lab coordinators in Argentina and Brazil, and technical experts in R&D, for the purpose of sharing ideas and leveraging resources.
• Remain current on seed testing technology, and implement technology improvements, consistent with the Business Analytical Strategy.
• Manage small capital projects in the lab.
• Supervise up to ten full-time lab technicians, with the anticipation that full-time resources in the lab will grow over time.  Ensure personal growth of direct reports by maintaining daily interactions with full-time and temporary personnel.
• Maintain effective communication to the overall seed quality lab team.
• Set the annual budget for the germination lab and manage the costs of that lab.
• Participate as a member of the DAS Seed Quality Lab Leadership Team to establish lab objectives and to track progress toward achieving these objectives.