Postharvest Researcher

Driscoll’s • Watsonville, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postharvest Researcher will identify, research, and develop technologies and strategies to support Driscoll’s commitment to delighting consumers with Only the Finest Berries™. As part of our Postharvest Handling team, you will be the trusted hands-on resource to verify and validate berry, region, and variety specific practices to optimize berry shelf life and improve supply chain efficiency. The Postharvest Researcher will be a passionate, independent, self-starter ready to make a meaningful impact in the way in which our fruit is handled across the Americas.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Science/Postharvest or related discipline with 2+ years post Ph.D. research and/or industry experience preferred, or a Masters’ degree in these fields with 5+ years’ experience
• Demonstrated postharvest and plant physiology experience - working with berries preferred
• Question-driven, curious, experienced scientist with demonstrated ability to work independently
• Research focus on postharvest handling practices, and their impact on berries
• Expertise in novel product and technology innovation and commercialization
• Ability to execute research in a cold environment (0˚C)
• Experience with postharvest handling, quality and Research and Development
• Domestic and international travel (valid passport) required up to 40%
• Self-starter with ability to drive research to its completion independently

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual skills in Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support in the form of recommendations of best postharvest practices, development of standard operational procedures, review assessment of new or novel technologies and ad-hoc research into causes of quality concerns
• Leverage published theory and knowledge on postharvest physiology and handling practices, both internal and external, to provide recommendations of best practices and minimum expected performance results
• Generate technical reports with scientifically sound interpretations and recommendations
• Design and execute research capable of answering specific questions and solve complex problems at commercial scale
• Responsible for communicating complex experimental results into easily understandable explanations and provide recommendations for best practices
• Conduct trials, analyze data, publish findings, and develop and train employees on best practices to maintain quality of berries throughout storage and transport
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Profit-sharing participation
• Paid sick time
• Paid vacation
• Paid personal and family care leave
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior