We are looking for a talented and motivated team player who aims to use their excellent plant science skills to advance their commercial science career.
BioLumic is a fast-growing start-up based in New Zealand which has considerable expertise in the exploitation of plant science and agri-tech know-how relating to the beneficial effects of UV light on plant growth. Our focus is on the development of IP and technologies which control crop development, yield and quality in ways previously impossible. We are now looking to expand our team with the appointment of a R&D Associate, based in Salinas, CA to take the lead in R&D with our first customer in USA as we take our exciting technologies to the next level.
Reporting to the Chief Science Officer, this role focuses on a combination of plant physiological trials and photobiological innovation using BioLumic’s cutting-edge proprietary technology. Based in our key customer’s plant nursery in Salinas, this role has responsibility for planning and carrying out nursery trials, and providing insight into key UV treatment development outcomes. The role will require working closely with BioLumic’s Chief Science Officer, and will regularly interact with other BioLumic employees both in Salinas (to be appointed) and New Zealand, as well as our key customer in California.
This is not an easy role. It will require someone with significant energy and perseverance who is inspired by conducting research that leads to commercial outcomes. High performance in this role will be extremely rewarding, as you will play a key part in the development of world-leading science that is immediately transferrable to beneficial outcomes for growers.
BioLumic USA is based at the Western Growers Innovation Centre for Technology in Salinas, California.
You will be part of a dynamic, high-performing, knowledgeable, supportive team within BioLumic. The role offers the opportunity to perform challenging, leading-edge plant science at a commercial interface in a rapidly expanding field with a global opportunity. BioLumic offers a competitive salary. As our company continues to grow rapidly, the right candidate will be given opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and be rewarded accordingly.
- Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Plant Biology, Horticulture, or related field.
- Two or more years relevant experience or equivalent levels of education.
- Understanding of basic plant physiology.
- Ability to work unsupervised.
- Highly competent at time management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experienced in use of word processing and spreadsheet software.
- Basic statistical analysis skills.
- Able to carry out repetitive physical movement/tasks.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Willingness to travel to other trial locations as needed, e.g., Mexico, UK.
- Motivated to go the extra mile to succeed – a strong work ethic.
- Manage day-to-day trial activities of a new agri-technology.
- Application of BioLumic treatments to commercial and R&D-scale plants/crops
- Collection, collation and analysis of data
- Use plant physiological techniques to observe plant responses to treatments, from controlled environment/nursery locations, through to field-scale observations.
- Identify, observe and record successful plant physiological/agronomic outcomes of plant treatments.
- Co-ordinate commercial trial treatment schedules with BioLumic customers
- Analyze trial data, and manage trial data storage.
- Report trial findings and communicate openly and clearly with other team members, including those in New Zealand.
- Have experience in running trials relating to plant physiology.
- Be extremely organized and diligent.
- Thrive having sole responsibility for tasks and working unsupervised.
- Be an excellent communicator.
- Have a can-do, problem-solving mentality.
- Be willing to travel to support trials with other customers, potentially in other countries (where necessary).
- Have a relevant tertiary qualification.
