Seed Physiology Associate Scientist

JOB SUMMARY: Progressively initiate, coordinate and implement research and development projects focusing on seed diagnostic biology, seed production and enhancement technology, in order to improve seed physiological quality at Sakata Seed America.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary responsibility includes responsible for designing, implementing and analyzing multi-disciplinary research experiments aimed at improving seed and seedling physiological quality in the company.

• This advanced level technical position will be responsible for developing and implementing new technologies and further refining the existing protocols that would enhance physiological quality of stock and commercial seed.
• Design and conduct multiple research and development projects in an organized and timely manner, as requested by QA, R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain Departments.
• Understand the dynamic business requirements and transform them into short-term and mid-term research projects.
• Responsible for data analyses of results obtained in internal and external projects and subsequent decision making, including oral and written communications.
• Accountable for the maintenance of the research laboratory and greenhouse, ensuring a very safe and productive working environment.
• To supervise and train lab technicians and interns in laboratory operation procedures and the operation of equipment in the laboratory.
• Any other seed biology and technology development duties as may be reasonably required by the company, QA Manager or Physiology Manager.
• The individual will work primarily in a laboratory environment, with some greenhouse and field work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Minimum five years research experience in seed science and technology.
• Proved track record in developing practical solutions in horticulture or seed technology.
• Competences and experience in seed quality, testing, storage behavior, dormancy/germination preferred.
• Competences in experiment design, data analysis and image processing.
• Experience in hands on cell biology and molecular biology experience.
• Must have a creative mindset and a pragmatic attitude.
• Must be able to perform job activities accurately and efficiently. Attention to detail.
• Must be comfortable working in an agricultural environment. i.e. with agricultural chemicals and in environments where temperatures may be hot or cold.
• Must have good communication skills.
• Must be agile to changing work demands, techniques, or approaches and must have the ability to adapt quickly to such circumstances.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Master or PhD degree in plant biology, horticulture or agronomy, with emphasis on vegetable physiology or seed science.

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• Computer literacy and data analysis skills.
• Good verbal and oral communication skills in English.
• Minimum five years’ research experience in vegetable or seed science in the industry or public sector.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work in a greenhouse environment, under hot and cold temperatures for several hours at a time (15%).
• Must be willing to work with chemicals and pesticides, and other potentially irritating substances, such as fertilizers and plant growth regulators.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when necessary and/or required to apply pesticides.
• Must be able to work in dusty conditions and willing to work alone and without direct supervision for extended periods.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be available to work overtime, weekends and/or holidays when the workflow demands.

• Salary: $80,000-$84,000 per year
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable Individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.