What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Scientist position at Fyto?
About Fyto
Do you strive to improve the world through sustainable agriculture? Do you want to develop technological solutions to grow more food while using fewer resources? Fyto grows unique aquatic plants through innovative automated processes to generate high quality feed, food, and fertilizer products with a dramatically lower carbon footprint. The company’s patented technology produces nutrient-dense ingredients using much less energy, water, land, labor, and fertilizer than conventional choices. Our company launched out of MIT in 2019 and is growing its team (and crops) in Northern California.
About the Role
We’re seeking an exceptional individual to help drive Fyto’s cutting edge aquatic plant science research. You should be a creative problem solver and have an eye for details. You should be comfortable conducting benchtop science AND multi-acre crop trials. This is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of an entirely new approach to the fast-growing climate-friendly plant-based protein revolution. Compensation will be competitive and dependent on experience. This is a full-time position based in Petaluma, CA. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and are subject to a background check.
What You’ll Do
- Lead trials of Fyto’s biofertilizer products with a range of crops
- Collaborate with our science and engineering teams to optimize yield, nutritional composition, and quality of our aquatic plant crops
- Expand and maintain Fyto’s biological library of aquatic crops and sophisticated understanding of each crop’s requirements and capabilities
- Work with our engineers to develop state-of-the-art tools and sensors for plant analysis
Your required qualifications
- Master’s degree in plant science, crop science, agronomy, or related field
- 3 years of professional experience growing plants and deep understanding of plant physiology
- Ability to work with minimal supervision as well as with a team
- Curious learner who is flexible, creative, self-motivated, and able to solve problems from lab bench to farm-scale
- Ability to thrive in the occasional ambiguity and roller-coaster ride of a startup environment
- Owner mindset – willing to pitch in on everything to help the company succeed
- Strong computer skills, including experience with MS Office (Excel, Powerpoint, and Word)
- Have a valid driver’s license and good driving record
Other preferred qualifications
- Research experience focusing on plant physiology or plant nutrition
- Research experience with plant fertilizers
- Research experience with multiple plant species
- Experience in the cultivation of aquatic plants or hydroponic systems
- Enthusiasm to interact with our farmer partners and customers
Physical activity requirements
- Walk across a variety of terrains, including uneven surfaces
- Climb, jump, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and install equipment
- Stand for extended time periods
- Lift and carry 25 lbs. but occasionally up to 50 lbs.
- Work in conditions with varying humidity, sunlight and temperatures (32 o – 95oF depending on the season)
Fyto is committed to equal opportunity and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Fyto does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its recruitment processes and employment practices.