Controlled Environment Testing Lead
The successful candidate will join an organization and develop a team that is focused on the identification, isolation, production and commercialization of plant and soil inputs for the enhancement of crop production. We are seeking a Controlled Environment Supervisor I that possesses excellent interpersonal communication skills, is highly organized and will effectively lead and influence others in a dynamic and highly matrixed organization. The candidate should have strong leadership skills, be highly knowledgeable in the application of current plant phenotyping techniques to evaluate crop inputs for their ability to influence soil nutrient availability, plant pathogen control, and plant growth promotion under artificial growing conditions.
Job Description:
- Develops comprehensive controlled environment testing strategy including staffing, capex, budget, operations and scope.
- Manages or coordinates all activities within Elemental Enzymes controlled environment facilities (owner or leased) including equipment maintenance, sanitation, purchasing, and operation under all applicable institution, local, state, and federal regulations including all APHIS permitting and compliance.
- Leads all CET staff, including Validation Scientist, and works with R&D scientists and commercial teams to develop, prioritize and execute research objectives and departmental strategy.
- Contracts with 3rd-party research labs/contractors/academics to validate product efficacy through contracted research studies against pathogen targets, soil enzymes for various modes of action, and plant stress reduction technologies.
- Responsible for development, tracking, and adherence to team budget.
- Develops and implements new protocols, plant-based bioassays, and recommend new equipment to optimize plant testing in direct response to research objectives with supporting laboratory and greenhouse personnel.
- Maintain agricultural chemical inventory including documentation, safety materials, and responsible disposal.
- Explore and identify opportunities to improve established procedures and lead troubleshooting techniques for all pipeline phases and post commercialization technologies.
- Collaborates effectively within a multidisciplinary team and commercial partners.
- Assists the Technical Development staff with seed and fertilizer treatment application for field program.
- Ensures staff and controlled environment testing equipment and facilities are compliant with all organizational policies and procedures.
- Additional responsibilities may be added at the discretion of management.
Required Experience:
- A Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in soil science or plant physiology (preferred) or biology, botany, plant pathology, horticulture, or a related field is required, with a preferred 5+ years of experience of technical/administrative experience in a greenhouse or controlled environment facility or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Operational knowledge of common plant maintenance techniques; foliar, seed and soil application, and plant phenotyping techniques common in the evaluation of plant nutrition and disease development.
- Ability to independently identify and troubleshoot irregular plant-based bioassay runs, and to review and optimize plant-based bioassay SOPs to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Proven ability to budget time and manage day-to-day duties with a high level of organization is required.
- Proficiency in utilization of MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and ARM.
- Familiarity with basic statistical analysis procedures and presentation of scientific datasets.
- Eagerness to develop, learn and adopt new methods.
Physical Demands:
- Extending: Extend self in a direction to complete a task.
- Stationary Position: Remaining in one position for sustained periods of time.
- Moving: Moving to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
- Fine Motor Skills: Using fingers for tasks such as typing, picking, or pinching, rather than full hand movements.
- Transporting: Moving objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Objects can be up to 45 pounds in weight.
- Manual Handling: Gripping, grasping, or applying pressure to objects using fingers and palms.
- Operating: Using tools and equipment including a work computer and other office devices such as printers, calculators, etc.
- Repetitive motion: Engaging in recurring movements of the wrists, hands, or fingers, such as typing or assembling components.
- Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Physical Requirements:
- Sensory Touch: Assessing the size, shape, texture, or temperature of objects by touch, particularly with fingertips.
- Communicating: Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word, including providing detailed or critical instructions clearly, quickly, and accurately. Perceiving sound details at normal speaking levels. Alternative methods of communication can be utilized as necessary.
Job Location: St. Louis, MO, United States
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular/Salary/Exempt
Salary: Competitive base range
Benefits: 401K with match, Healthcare, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, HSA/FSA options, Dependent Care Account, Employee Assistance Program, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Pet Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Long-Term Incentive Plan
About Elemental Enzymes
Elemental Enzymes was founded upon the simple belief that we must do everything we can to improve agricultural performance in a way that not only enables plants to flourish but enriches and renews the planet with eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural solutions. From products that enable effective enzyme, peptide and protein inputs to foliar treatments that hold the promise to renew entire industries, our focus to make a positive difference in the world through people – like you and me. Success is a byproduct of responsible production. That’s why Elemental Enzymes works to bring cross-disciplinary scientists and processes together to create novel solutions to practical problems with a shared goal of helping both the plant and the planet.
Please fill out the application and attach a cover letter and CV/Résumé. References required upon request.
