Manager, Agricultural Field Research Station

Job Summary: The Manager, Agricultural Field Research Station, California reports directly into the Director, Global Technical Development and is accountable for the effective & timely execution and management of all research activities, as defined and agreed upon with the Global Discovery and Development teams. Manages all aspects of the Field Research Station. Effectively leads, coaches and develops the employees of the Research Station according to the principles and guidelines of GreenLight Biosciences. Plans and effectively administers the operational and capital budget of the Research Station and ensures that the goals of GreenLight Biosciences are communicated, understood and implemented. Ensures adherence to governmental and GreenLight’s safety and environmental standards by all employees and the research facilities.

JOb Responsibilities:

1. Leadership:

• Responsible for the management and professional development of the research station personnel. Coaches and mentors’ personnel on a continuous basis.
• Actively communicates and discusses the goals of Global Discovery and Development with all employees.
• Defines, discusses and communicates the personal goals for all direct reports and reviews and evaluates these on a yearly basis or otherwise defined.
• Assesses the personnel situation and implements the necessary steps in regard to personnel development and new hiring and proactively adjusts the personnel resources to adequately accomplish the goals set forth for the research station.

1. Strategic and Operative:

• Leads the effort to characterize the biology of experimental compounds across all disciplines.
•  Oversees the process of properly and accurately collecting, analyzing, interpreting and documenting of all data from all trials conducted at the research station according to the agreed upon priority list.
• Takes all measures to ensure that the trials are conducted with the appropriate methodology that allows an optimum differentiation between the various treatments and answers all research objectives.
• On a regular basis assesses, redefines and implements a midterm concept for the research station that considers the research priorities of GreenLight Biosciences.
• In a proactive manner defines, coordinates and implements all necessary investments and repairs. Manages & coordinates all matters concerning the research station facilities.
• Plans and administers the operating and capital budgets for the research station.
• Creates and maintains an effective network and good communication with the various departments in GreenLight as well as with the regional and local business units.
• Ensures adherence to safety and environmental standards by all employees and for all activities at the research station.

1. General & Others:

• Actively represents the interests of GreenLight Biosciences, at the research station, in the community and with potential business partners including Universities.
• Actively lives and communicates GreenLight’s company values, principles and guidelines.

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 10 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.
• Proficient language skills in at least two languages.

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.
• Thorough knowledge and work experience in agricultural research.
• Three to five years of supervisory and management experience in agricultural research.
• Ability to effectively manage all aspects of a functional group.
• Business acumen to effectively explore the technical capabilities of projects.
• The position requires a high level of leadership, creativity, ingenuity and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Minimum 2-year experience in personnel management.
• Strategic, analytical thinking and ability to interpret / understand complex trial results.
• Assertiveness and being a good team player are essential.
• Personal mobility, to move within the company and geographically is of advantage.
• Thorough knowledge in the area of worker and environmental safety, ensuring safe operations and processes in all aspects at the research station.
• Working knowledge of computers and software necessary for communication, data collection / analysis, and knowledge sharing is required, incl ARM.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• High level of autonomy. Operates on an independent day to day basis in all aspects of managing the research station. Reports to the Director, Global Technical Development.
• Works under general direction to manage and execute the research & development programs at the station.
• Occupies a leadership and advocate position for technical aspects.
• The position requires direct working relationships with the Global Discovery and Development Project Managers and agree upon the trial program and research objectives.
• Works cooperatively with colleagues and cross-functional teams.
• 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.

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.
• It is essential to effectively manage the research station staff and liaison with governmental and university researchers to ensure the testing of new compounds and technologies is completed accurately and in a timely manner.

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)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Number of direct reports:  5+

• Number of indirect reports: 7

• Budget responsibilities: $1.2 – $1.5 million

TRAVEL:           15% of the time