Field Research Agronomist

Job Summary: The Field Research Agronomist reports directly into the Manager, Agricultural Field Research Station and is accountable for the effective execution and co-ordination of all research activities, for the assigned indication(s), at the Field Research Station. Serves as the technical field station expert for the assigned research and development projects within the various project teams. The scope of work includes design and implementation of research protocols to support the discovery, selection and development of new plant protection compounds and technologies. To evaluate all assigned trials and is responsible for accurate data management and reporting as well as effective management of resources. Additional assigned responsibilities can be in the area of safety, product sample management, etc.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conducts field and greenhouse trials which characterize the biological activity and properties of experimental and commercial plant protection compounds, for the assigned category/indication or projects, with limited guidance and technical assistance from the station manager.
• Accurately collects, analyzes, interprets and documents the trial results and/or directs others to assist in these activities according to the agreed upon priority list and timelines.
• Ensures that the database for assigned projects / conducted trials, is maintained accurately and ensures that trial data is entered into ARM (no later than 24 hours after occurrence) and is reported to Project Development Leads in a timely manner (once every two weeks).
• Takes all measures to ensure that the trials are conducted with the appropriate methodology that allows an optimum differentiation between treatments and answers all research objectives.
• Maintains good communication with the various project leaders within Discovery and Development to ensure that the research objectives and priorities are well understood for the assigned trial program. Prepares complete data reports and summaries, conclusions and recommendations and communicates these in an effective manner to the project leaders and at various internal research meetings.
• Ensures that the product sample needs, for the assigned projects, are proactively identified and communicated to the appropriate project managers.
• Organizes and manages all the necessary infestation promoting measures (seeding of weed species, inoculation/infestation of diseases/pest, environmental conditions management, irrigation, selection of crop varieties, etc.).
• Responsible for maintaining a thorough knowledge of local and regional crop protection markets and current advances in technology for specific areas of expertise.
• Contributes and adheres to all Safety, Environmental and EHS standards of GreenLight and the country/location and promotes their observance in performance of job duties. Observes all applicable regulatory compliance requirements on study and report design, equipment calibration, data recording and laboratory operations. Ensures that Greenlight Biosciences receives the needed research permits and accreditations.

• Effectively manage the day-to-day activities of farm operation assistants, develop and train the staff by active transfer of expertise and know-how and ensuring that an excellent work environment is maintained.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Preferably M.Sc. or PhD degree in a related Agricultural, Biological or Plant Protection discipline such as Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science or Plant Physiology.
• Additionally, closely related work experience of at least 5 years in the crop protection and/or seed industry preferably in the area of research and development.
• A Bachelor of Science degree possible with closely related practical experience of 8 years, proven scientific skills and ability to independently operate. Ability to pursue an advanced degree is encouraged for further advancement.
• Fluency in English is essential.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE and SKILLS:

• Solid knowledge in Agriculture and in the Crop Protection Markets and extensive knowledge of practical crop production including in-depth knowledge of weeds, plant diseases and insects; as well as an ability to identify the various pest organisms.
• Working knowledge of computers and software necessary for communication, data collection / analysis, and knowledge sharing is required, incl ARM.
• Proven ability to work independently and solve problems creatively is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, both written and orally, together with good organizational and time management abilities are essential.
• The incumbent needs to be a good team player and have good interpersonal leadership qualifications and excellent organizational skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The individual works under general direction within the assigned responsibilities to execute the assigned research program on an independent day to day basis.

• The individual will also lead a small team of a Research Assistant and Field Workers.
• The position requires direct working relationships with the Global Discovery and Development Project Managers and agree upon the trial program and research objectives.
• Changes and additions to programs as well as major strategies and actions are discussed with the Manager of the Research Station and the Global Discovery and Development Project Managers.
• Daily use of computer for communication, data analysis and knowledge sharing are required.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT:

• Work performed in a highly competitive and complex technological environment where company image and timelines are critical.
• Each year new candidate compounds are entering the testing program and new advances in the area of pesticides, biologicals as well as biotechnology must be dealt with.
• Work is performed in a seasonal and deadline-oriented environment. Failure to initiate, evaluate or complete a study on time or properly develop a product use pattern can result in delayed project decisions and thus to delayed new product sales, or to loss of current sales.
• Work is sometimes carried out under dangerous situations (farm machinery and handling of early-stage compounds) and the observance of all governmental and company EHS guidelines and requirements is essential.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIP

• Frequent contact and co-ordination of efforts with GreenLight project leaders to ensure that the goals of the research program within the assigned responsibilities are met.
• In contact with supervisor, Manager, Agricultural Field Research Station, on a regular basis. Moderate supervision while planning experiments or assisting with contracted studies. Unusual situations will be brought to the supervisor`s attention.

LOCATION:       Field Research Station, California, USA

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Number of direct reports:  1+

• Number of indirect reports: 0

• Budget responsibilities: $300 – 500 K

TRAVEL:           15% of the time