Formulation Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Seed Treatment Scientist

Position Summary

BRANDT Discovery and Innovation, LLC is seeking a highly motivated Seed Treatment Scientist to support the development, optimization, testing, and quality control of dry powder seed treatment technologies and seed-applied products. Working under the direction of the Seed Lab Manager, this role will contribute to formulation development, analytical testing, manufacturing support, and quality assurance activities that support BRANDT's seed treatment innovation pipeline.

The Seed Treatment Scientist will assist in the development and commercialization of dry powder seed treatment technologies, including fluency agents, biological carriers, nutrient-based seed treatments, and other seed-applied solutions designed to improve seed handling, planting performance, and crop establishment. This position will work closely with the Seed Lab Manager, Technical Agronomy Team, manufacturing personnel, and commercial teams to evaluate product performance, support production quality systems, and advance new technologies from concept through commercialization.

This position reports directly to the Seed Lab Manager and operates under their technical guidance and leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Formulation Development and Product Support

• Assist the Seed Lab Manager in the development, optimization, and evaluation of dry powder seed treatment formulations and seed-applied technologies.
• Conduct laboratory research and testing to support the development of fluency agents, anti-static compounds, desiccants, microbial carriers, biostimulants, fertilizers, micronutrients, and plant growth regulators (PGRs).
• Evaluate new raw materials, carriers, and formulation technologies for product performance, manufacturability, and quality.
• Support formulation scale-up activities from laboratory development to pilot and commercial production.
• Assist in troubleshooting formulation and production challenges to improve product consistency and performance.

Seed Treatment Laboratory Operations

• Support the daily operation and maintenance of the Seed Treatment Formulation and Quality Control Laboratory.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, testing instruments, and analytical systems.
• Ensure accurate documentation of laboratory procedures, test results, and product evaluations.
• Follow and assist in the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), testing methods, and quality protocols.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.

Quality Control and Manufacturing Support

• Perform quality control testing on raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products to ensure compliance with product specifications.
• Assist in developing and maintaining product specifications and quality standards for commercial production.
• Support manufacturing teams by providing technical assistance related to formulation performance and quality requirements.
• Participate in investigations of quality-related issues and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.
• Maintain quality records and laboratory documentation to support production and product stewardship requirements.

Seed Treatment Performance Testing

Conduct and interpret testing related to:

• Seed singulation performance
• Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS)
• Flowability and powder flow characteristics
• Static charge generation and mitigation
• Bulk density
• Cohesion and powder handling properties
• Particle size distribution
• Dust-off and adsorption characteristics
• Product stability and storage performance

Technical Support and Collaboration

• Work closely with the Technical Agronomy Team to support greenhouse, field, and commercial evaluations of seed treatment products.
• Assist with coordinating sample preparation and shipments for customers, research cooperators, and field trials.
• Provide technical support and product knowledge to customers, growers, and sales personnel under the guidance of the Seed Lab Manager.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, product summaries, and research updates.
• Collaborate with research, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams to support successful product development and commercialization.

Required Competencies

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Customer-focused mindset
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Technical understanding of seed treatment technologies and agricultural production systems
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and related software applications

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel (5–10%) for customer visits, training programs, industry meetings, research trials, and technical support activities.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, Seed Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field with 2–5 years of relevant research, laboratory, or industry experience.

OR

• Associate degree in Agriculture or a related scientific field with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with seed treatment formulations, seed coatings, dry powder technologies, or seed enhancement products.
• Strong laboratory skills, including operation and maintenance of analytical instruments and associated software.
• Knowledge of corn and soybean production systems and seed treatment practices.
• Experience working in a product development, formulation, manufacturing support, or quality control environment.
• Understanding of powder handling, particle characterization, and seed treatment performance testing methodologies.
• Established relationships within the agricultural, seed, or dealer network are considered an asset.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time based on business needs.