Our client, a well-funded, innovative and growing startup is developing innovative soil regeneration systems for improved and sustainable agriculture via natural means. They are reintroducing life back to soil and after hundreds of field trials, have demonstrated improved plant yields – from trees to food crops. They employ AI computer modeling and advanced genomics to support natural solutions to farming. Having recently secured Series A funding from major investors, they are now well positioned to advance these systems. To maintain progress, they are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable Director to join the R&D team. This individual will be an integral part of the company’s future, overseeing field trial design and optimizing product application for a variety of crops and soils. Working with fellow team members and third-party collaborators, this individual will lead studies to assess the effectiveness of products on both soil and plant health. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual passionate about improving lives, nutrition, and health for the people and the planet. Position can be done remotely and will entail approximately 75% travel including some international destinations.
Responsibilities would include (but are not limited to) :
- Working closely in collaboration with farmers collaboratively to develop and execute small and large field trials
- Leading inoculum distribution, planting, farm/land maintenance, collection of soil cores for endpoint analyses, harvest and implementation of soil probes and software.
- Identifying farming challenges and opportunities through research projects, assisting in the selection of fertilizers and chemicals for crop application, and contributing to various crop trials through planning, data collection, and preparing comprehensive summary reports.
- Performing soil and crop analyses/diagnoses.
- Trial land scouting and trial management.
- Managing field sampling equipment, probe equipment and software inventories and ensuring all field equipment is calibrated and operating correctly.
- Keeping detailed records regarding field maintenance, crops, and samples for audits.
- Generating study reports and presenting findings to the research management team.
- Staying current on soil inoculants and techniques.
- Working with teams of scientists while conducting field or greenhouse work.
- Overseeing soil sampling and mapping services, soil fertility testing and trial recommendations.
- Developing pilot drone distribution of soil inoculum.
- Educating and training other employees to administer the product at global trial locations, execute field trials, and perform sample and data collection.
Basic Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD or Master’s degree in Agronomy or related field with 7 or more years of experience
- Knowledge of agricultural and related field and greenhouse trial practices, plant life and development, and farming operations
- Expert knowledge of scientific discipline; relevant technical skills; ability to read and understand protocols, SOPs, and technical guidelines. Compliance with regulatory guidelines and company SOPs
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel (>75%)
- Ability to work outside standard business hours, according to team/business workloads
Qualifications. The ideal candidate will have
- Previous trial management and research organization experience.
- Effective communication skills and collaborative approach, open to giving and receiving ideas, perspectives, and feedback.
- Excellent communication (with clear handwriting) and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team; self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude.
- Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks.
- Project management skills.
- Data management.
- Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with all policies and regulations.
If you appreciate immersing yourself in new technology, confronting the world’s major challenges of sustainable agriculture, climate change, and soil depletion head-on, finding solutions through teamwork, and taking pride in accomplishments, contact us. Candidates must have current US residency, US work authorization, and a willingness to travel domestically and occasionally overseas.
To apply for this position, confidentially email us here.