About the Opportunity

The Researcher, Sustainable Crop Management will lead and carry out Driscoll’s Global R&D research programs focused on identifying management practices for nursery and fruit production for berries with emphasis on resource use optimization. This role will also encompass plant stress physiology, particularly applied to water quality issues. The Researcher will also facilitate and coordinate core research in different geographical locations to investigate the GxE effect. The researcher will work in a very collaborative environment, interacting with teams including breeding, agronomy, applied research, postharvest, and plant health. We are looking for somebody curious, inquisitive, humble, and able to thrive in a teamwork oriented and collaborative environment. The scientist will identify and drive research priorities that respond to global business needs, develop training programs for others in the organization, and lead collaboration projects on behalf of Driscoll’s. The Researcher will integrate into the Global R&D Plant Research Team and report to the Director of Global Plant Research. The researcher may be involved in short-term assignments (approximately 25% travel yearly) in other business units of the enterprise to support other teams, and ensure the establishment, execution, and data collection of experimental trials.

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Responsibilities

• Develops and executes business-driven field research trials on optimization of fruit production, fruit flavor components, and best growing practices.
• Ensures the establishment, execution, and data collection on experimental trials in other locations of the enterprise.
• Develops relevant mentoring or training programs to deploy innovation and implementation of key findings across the organization as needed.
• Leads collaboration on plant physiology research across R&D departments and Driscoll’s business units.
• 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.

Candidate Profile

Job Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, Ecology, Agriculture Science, or a related field required; PhD strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of work experience, preferably with both academia and industry-relevant background.
• Experience in berry crop production and propagation desired.
• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish, both verbal and written required.
• Robust understanding of plant physiology, irrigation, and nutrition management, and water quality impacts on plant production.
• Understanding of the role of GxExM component as the foundation for plant performance.
• Proficiency in developing both foundational as well as applied research trials.
• Courageous, creative, and conceptual thinker with practical planning skills.
• Ability to work with key internal stakeholders, at a high collaborative level, and manage multiple projects across the enterprise.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions are also required.

Requirement for application to be considered: Please apply with your resume in English

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

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Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.