About the Opportunity

The Plant Physiology Scientist provides strategic leadership in defining and advancing research priorities aligned with global business objectives. This role leads research programs to address challenges in berry cultivation across diverse environments, including controlled environment agriculture (CEA), with emphasis on optimizing management practices like irrigation and fertility and reducing inputs, to achieve high-flavor, high-quality fruit. Key responsibilities include optimizing propagation methods, nutrient acquisition, canopy training, light use, and implementing remote sensing and image analysis to support best practices. The scientist contributes to the development of robust berry growth models and conducts targeted trials in collaboration with the crop modeler. Additional duties involve designing and overseeing cross-departmental training programs and leading high-impact collaborative projects. The position is integral to the Global R&D Plant Research Team, reporting to the Director of Global Plant Research, and requires effective collaboration with breeding, agronomy, applied research, postharvest, and plant health teams. The role sets the vision for research initiatives, drives innovation, and ensures organization-wide adoption of key findings. Travel (up to 20% annually) to other business units may be required to support experimental trials and team initiatives.

 

Responsibilities

• Developing and leading business-driven environmental physiology field research trials on fruit production, fruit flavor components, and growing practices.

• Lead and carry out internal and external research efforts on the performance of berry plants in different growing regions.

• 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 the relevant mentoring or training programs to deploy innovation and implementation of key findings across the organization as needed.

• Lead collaboration on plant physiology research across R&D departments and Driscoll’s business units.

• Develops talent, both through formal as well as through informal relationships and organizational structures across the Enterprise.

• Maintains a deep understanding of Driscoll’s breeding programs, production systems, and production environments.

• Develops strategies to provide foundational knowledge to regional nurseries.

• Ensures the security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials.

Qualifications

   

Candidate Profile

• Ph.D. degree in plant physiology, plant ecophysiology, plant biology, horticulture, or related field required.
• 3+ years of work experience, preferably with both academia and industry-relevant background.
• Experience in projects comparing locations/climates preferred.
• Ability to work with others at a high and collaborative level.
• Experience in berry crop production, propagation, or fruit production preferred.
• Experience in leading research programs with relevant outcomes and impacts in the fruit industry.
• Understanding of the role of GxExM component as the foundation for plant performance. 
• Proficiency in developing both basic as well as applied research trials.
• Courageous, creative and conceptual thinker with practical planning skills.
• Notably humble and passionate about plants.
• Ability to manage multiple projects across the enterprise.
• Travel required up to 20% yearly.
• A valid driver's license.
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally are also required.