Plant Scientist - Kent, OH

Smithers-Oasis•Kent, OH

9h•$72,000 - $83,500•Onsite

About The Position

Smithers-Oasis is seeking a self-motivated and scientifically curious individual to fill the role of Plant Scientist within their Corporate Research department in Kent, OH. The Plant Scientist will have global responsibilities and will perform work related to aspects of propagation production and postharvest quality of floriculture and hydroponic food crops grown under controlled environmental conditions. This position will have a focus on specialty substrates for propagation, soilless cultivation, and hydroponic production. There will be a special emphasis on developing sustainable and biobased solutions to improve growth and quality of controlled environmental agricultural crops. The Plant Scientist will conduct plant science experiments, report results, and apply the knowledge to develop new products and new processes in a timely manner. This position will collaborate closely with other plant and polymer scientists, marketing, manufacturing, quality, and sourcing to successfully develop and launch new products in a timely manner.

Requirements

Masters degree or PhD in a plant science or horticulture emphasizing greenhouse production, controlled environment agriculture production, plant pathology or plant microbiology is required.
Demonstrated ability to design and conduct specific research to answer questions and solve problems to develop and commercialize products for propagation and production in soilless media and/or hydroponic production.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
A self-motivated and passionate individual who has a positive attitude and is able to work in fast moving environment.
Able to travel at times, both domestically and internationally.
Greenhouse experience is required.

Nice To Haves

Strong working knowledge and interest in propagation, nutrition, and production in soilless media and/or hydroponic production of food and floriculture crops is preferred.
Industry work experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Conduct scientific greenhouse and lab research and report findings in the format of research reports, technical reports, and presentations to deliver project deliverables such as new products, new processes, and product improvements in a timely manner.
Drive innovation in the field of floriculture and controlled environment agriculture by interaction with academics, industry experts, and customers to understand new technologies, new research methods, and industry trends.
Collaborate closely with colleagues in other research departments, marketing, manufacturing, quality, and sourcing to successfully develop new products.
Provide technical support to technical sales team and customers.
Coordinate with sales team and customers to conduct field trials as a part of new product and new application development.
Mentor and supervise Research Technicians.