Research Scientist, Host Resistance Specialist

Driscoll's is seeking a highly skilled Research Scientist to lead a team in conducting and developing assays to characterize berry plant response to diseases and pests in Mexico. This role involves phenotyping plant responses to key pathogens and pests of the berry crops to characterize commercial and pre-breeding plant materials.

This position will work collaboratively with breeding, applied research, entomology, and farming colleagues in planning and executing multi-year research work projects in laboratory, greenhouse, and experimental fields and test plots. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to utilize existing discipline knowledge and experience while furthering developing pathology and entomology skills in collaboration with breeding, molecular science, and plant health professionals.

• Plant Resistance Assays: Plan and carry out resistance assays using established protocols for key target pathogens and other biotic stresses on all berry crops for Driscoll's varieties either at laboratory, greenhouse, or experimental fields. Coordinate with Host Resistance Senior Scientist and team to develop and/or optimize existing assays for new or emerging pathogen and pests.
• Manage Workflow: Responsible for creating work strategy for the team, managing subordinates, and day-to-day execution of the work. Work cross-functionally with breeders, applied research, entomologists, and farming colleagues to achieve a common goal.
• Data Management and Reporting: Capture, manage, and analyze data for accurate reporting. Write reports in a timely manner. Share data and report to senior scientist and collaborators and communicate any appropriate observations that should inform analysis.
• Collaborative Team Member: Be able to move work forward by working independently or as a collaborative team member depending on project. Pursue host resistance work while building knowledge of the company, processes, and customers to maximize connectivity within the enterprise and drive benefit realization.
• General Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Laboratory/Field Work: Strive for excellence in procedures to support Plant Health team goals, maintain facilities, and other duties as assigned.

• Education: PhD in a plant pathology, entomology, microbiology, or related field in plant health with at least 2 years' industry experience relevant to the position OR Master's degree with 5 years' experience in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Plant Medicine, or others relevant to biotic stress phenotyping.
• Skills and Experience: Knowledge and experience in molecular biology, basic bioinformatics, and high-throughput phenotyping would be a plus. Familiarity with microscopy and microbiological techniques, and disease and pest resistance screening.
• Work Environment: Ability to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and crop fields. Knowledge of plants and their cultivation in greenhouse and field.
• Personal Qualities: Detail-oriented, and developed and demonstrated organizational skills. Ability to successfully work independently as a self-starter in a growing company, as well as in collaboration with other functional business units as required.
• Language and Communication: Strong English fluency in speaking and writing, excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Travel and Work Environment: Mexico driver's license and ability to be covered under company vehicle insurance required. Some travel is required for data collection from test plots and experimental fields. Ability to work in hot and humid conditions when needed.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift 40 lbs. weight. Ability to walk and work in uneven terrain.
• Confidentiality and Professionalism: Protect Driscoll's confidentiality and proprietary information and material. Represent Driscoll's in an ethical and business-like professional manner in all interactions with growers, co-workers, suppliers, customers, and the business community at large.
• International Travel: Hold valid passport and willingness for occasional international travel.