Senior Postharvest Scientist - R&D

Job Description:

Hazel Technologies is hiring a new Senior Postharvest Scientist who will be responsible for leading the development and optimization of postharvest technologies and solutions for fresh produce preservation and food waste reduction.  This individual will work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to ensure the timely delivery of project goals.

EVERGREEN STATEMENT

Please note, this job is considered an “evergreen” position. Our Talent Acquisition team is opening applications for this position, knowing that the need for Senior Postharvest Scientist changes with project volume. We are curating a pool of excellent candidates for the future. By submitting your resume to this job posting, you acknowledge that it may take longer than expected to hear back from our TA team. Thank you for your interest in joining Hazel Technologies!

Responsibilities:

• Lead and complete 3 - 5 postharvest related projects at one time that align with company objective independently.
• Independently lead new trial meetings and project efforts with internal stakeholders.
• Generate technical reports with scientifically sound interpretations and provide recommendations on future work.
• Identify and collaborate with strategic partners on technical projects.
• Mentor and train junior scientists, provide guidance and support to research teams.
• Provide technical support to sales and marketing operations.  Participate in in-person and online meetings to provide technical support to commercial (sales) team.
• Propose and lead agronomic and postharvest trials for the purpose of technical development of existing products, customer product pilots, new product development, trials for regulatory purposes.
• Identify and resolve complex technical problems associated with postharvest handling and preservation and implement innovative solutions.
•  Utilize established theory and knowledge on quality, safety, and shelf life of fresh produce to provide recommendations for trials, consider regional factors, and generate consistent results.
• Deliver results on time and achieve milestones necessary for business objectives.
• Conduct on-site trials at commercial clients’ locations and in the laboratory.
• Independently support customer, potential customers, run trials with trial design and data collection support.
• Effective communicator, share experimental results and provide inputs.
• Participate in continuing education to further developmental capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in plant sciences, agricultural sciences, and/or related field with 5+ years of industry experience or PhD degree preferred in Postharvest Science, plant sciences, or related field with 3+ years of industry experience.
• A minimum of three years’ experience with customer communication.
• Strong knowledge and experience in postharvest technologies and solutions, including storage, transportation, and processing.
• Experience in designing and conducting experiments to evaluate postharvest performance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong project management skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Detailed oriented and ability to work independently to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills or similar data processing software.
• Demonstrated ability to apply statistical analysis of agronomic trial data.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license at the time of hire.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 40 pounds across the office for various needs.
• Able to travel up to 50% of the time.

Opportunity can be based remotely in Chicago, IL (headquarters), California. or Washington State. 

Salary Range: $125,000 -$145,000