About the Opportunity

The Scientist, Crop Resiliency (berries) will lead and execute research trials to address current environmental challenges faced by cultivated berries, with a focus on obtaining high-flavor, high-quality fruit. The research priorities will cover a wide range of topics, from the impacts of abiotic stresses to plant source-sink relationships and plant nutrient uptake, to the optimization of plant management practices such as irrigation. This position requires the ability to manage multiple initiatives, facilitate positive and solution-oriented discussions with key stakeholders, and have a comprehensive understanding of plant physiology. We are looking for a scientist with a passion for innovation and new technologies, inquisitive, humble, and thriving in teamwork. The researcher will work in a very collaborative and cross-functional environment, interacting with teams such as breeding, agronomy, applied research, postharvest, and plant health.

The scientist will be responsible for identifying and driving research priorities that respond to global business needs, developing training programs to support others in the organization, and occasionally leading collaboration projects with third parties on behalf of Driscoll’s. The Scientist, Crop Resiliency (berries) will integrate into the Global R&D, Global Plant Research Team and report to the Director of Global Plant Research. The Scientist will travel for short-term assignments (approximately 20% travel per year) in other business units of the enterprise to support other Teams and ensure the establishment, execution, and data collection of experimental trials.

 

Responsibilities

•  Develop and lead field research trials heavily based on understanding physiological mechanisms impacting fruit production and fruit flavor in berries.
•  Develop field screening methods for genetics exposed to several environmental stressors (e.g., heat stress).
•  Lead and carry out internal and external research efforts to test the performance of berry plants in different growing regions.
•  Analyze and report main results from trials promptly, communicate outcomes to cross-functional Teams and stakeholders to drive data-informed decisions and create measurable business value.
•  Ensure the establishment, execution, and data collection on experimental trials with short-term assignments in other business units of the enterprise. The expected length of the period abroad will depend on the type of research priority assigned.
•  Develop relevant mentoring or training programs to deploy innovation and implementation of key findings across the organization.
•  Develops talent, both through formal and informal relationships and across organizational structures in the Enterprise.
•  Maintains a deep understanding of Driscoll’s breeding programs, production systems, and production environments.
Ensures the security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials.

   

Candidate Profile

•  Ph.D. degree in plant physiology, plant ecophysiology, plant biology, horticulture, or related field required.
•  3+ years of work experience, preferably within both academia and industry.
•  Experience in research projects comparing locations/climates preferred.
•  Experience in berry crop production, propagation, or fruit production preferred.
•  Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with experience in multidisciplinary projects.
•  Experience in leading research programs with relevant outcomes and impacts on the fruit industry.
•  Understanding of the role of the GxExM components as the foundation for plant performance.  
•  Courageous, creative, and conceptual thinker with excellent planning skills.
•  Notably humble and passionate about plants.
•  Ability to manage multiple projects across the enterprise.
•  Travel required up to 20% yearly.
•  A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions are required. 

Compensation and Benefits

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.

Salary Range estimated for the Scientist, Crop Resiliency role: $91,860.00/year to $140,000.00/year.

Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. Other benefits include: 401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More detailed information regarding the benefits package, will be shared during the application process.

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