LA Germplasm Security Specialist

JOB PURPOSE (General Summary)

A two to five sentence explanation of why the Job exists.

This role safeguards Corteva’s proprietary germplasm across Latin America by executing the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) lifecycle and coordinating Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) examinations for all crops and countries in the region. The position ensures timely, accurate and compliant filings and DUS execution aligned with the Global Germplasm Security Blueprint, enabling legal enforceability at commercialization and lowering cost and cycle time through standardization and automation.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

List the duties of the job. What is done, how, with whom and why. Begin with an action verb (i.e. Analyze, Operate). Jobs typically contain no more than ten duties. Begin duties which are not essential with the word "May". Essential job functions are those duties which are necessary to get the job done (What the position does, how it is done and why).

Duty/Responsibility

% of Time

LA Germplasm Security Specialist

• Coordinates PVP (Plant Variety Protection) and intellectual property life cycle covering varieties of all crops within the Latin American region, with primary focus on PVP management. (25%)

  • Understands internal procedures related to plant breeding, including breeding methods and technologies used in selection and product development that affect IP, for both hybrid and varietal crops, traited or base genetics, while keeping a close connection with EZ leads and breeders.

  • Understands internal procedures related to market placement and commercialization, including advancement stages and registration statuses, defining and adjusting tiers for PVP application in alignment with Crop Portfolio Leads.

  • Identifies candidates for application, withdrawal and abandonment.

  • Understands external procedures, knowing differences in regulations across the different authorities under his/her supervision, including IV and EDV criteria, DUS testing processes etc, keeping a good connection and relationship with agents from different authorities and institutions that operate PBR at different levels.

  • Monitors internal and external changes to quickly adapt to new scenarios affecting PVP.

• Manages PVP activities (35%)

  • Creates and maintains PVP related protocols and procedures respecting external norms.

  • Organizes and keeps records of budgetary expenditures, including annual forecasts and monthly expenses, helping the organization achieve financial metrics.

  • Centralizes regional activities working with local PVP stewards in all Latin American countries.

  • Controls germplasm movement, with focus on seed shipment for DUS testing, compulsory deposits and contribution to reference collections, always in compliance with external regulations and internal procedures.

  • Respects deadlines for novelty and payment of fees required in PVP applications and certificate maintenance.

  • Supports in and out licensing activities, including those related to traited varieties.

• Manages regional DUS trials (35%)

  • Plans, executes, and monitors DUS trials for all relevant crops (e.g., corn, soybean, sorghum) across LA in accordance with UPOV technical guidelines and local regulations.

  • Defines trial design, descriptor lists, reference varieties and controls; ensure compliant data capture, quality assurance, and timely delivery of official DUS reports.

  • Coordinates cross‑border use of data and reciprocal recognition where applicable; prevent re‑work and extra‑year DUS by robust planning and oversight.

• Optimizes and improves processes in order to reduce simultaneously cost, time and errors. (5%)

  • Applies the most advanced data management and business intelligence systems and tools.

  • Centralizes data management, promoting internal devices and software to be adopted in field activities (morphological characterization trials needed for application).

  • Supports the adopts or implementation of UPOV PRISMA and e-PVP in the region.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Provide examples of no more than two problems or issues most frequently encountered by a person in this job.

Design and plan solutions for problems related with PBR with focus on automation and business intelligence practices.

Trouble-shoot unforeseen occurrences due to external factors like change in legislation or internal business decisions, solving any dependencies with plant breeding offices and authorities to assure integrity and ultimately the protection of company assets.

Analyze data using quality control measures insuring integrity of information provided to government agencies and ultimately the public domain, while protecting the confidentiality of trade secrets and internal data.

DECISION MAKING

Provide examples of no more than two types of decisions routinely made on the job including the results/outcomes of those decisions.

Determining appropriate content and verifying correct data is presented to obtain IP issuance of PVP and patents.

Time management decisions that lead to an organized and prioritized workflow without compromising deadlines and work integrity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE

List the knowledge, experience, special skills or abilities required to perform this job. (Includes any required physical or mental abilities)

Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy or scientific-related field and 5 years of field and/or greenhouse related experience with a minimum of 2 years working with PVP or comparable combination of education and experience is preferred.

· Computer competency particularly using Microsoft Office software and iPad capabilities

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Bilingual English + Portuguese

· Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, record-keeping, and multi-tasking abilities

· Flexibility and adaptability to a changing work environment

· Knowledge of agronomic experiment designs and applications required to create field observation trials

· May be required to do physical lifting and work in varying ergonomic environments and weather conditions

· Ability to manage multiple projects at one time and meet deadlines

· Broad understanding in specialized or technical areas including statistical analysis and data science, including coding

· Knowledge of PVP legal system beneficial to support data needs

· Good leadership skills

· Ability to direct and assign resources to accomplish job.

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.