The Research and Development Scientist is responsible for conducting experiments and research to develop new products or improve existing ones. Responsible for designing and executing experiments and interpreting data to make informed recommendations. The work involves collaboration with other scientists and departments, documenting findings, and staying updated with the latest scientific advancements.
As a phenotyping specialist you will be a key contributor to product development efforts at the WinField United Innovation Center. This position will lead daily operations of the plant phenotyping laboratory as part of a phenotyping functional group exploring interactions between crops, inputs, and stresses.
Lab Operation(40%)
Responsible for daily operation of the laboratory including trial planning, executing research protocols, and data collection on proprietary and industry partnered companies' technologies. Properly maintain equipment and follow good laboratory practices to optimize lab operations and minimize downtime.
Close communication with stakeholders to understand testing objectives to ensure trial is designed and executed to allow for advancement decisions.
Contribute to the development of research methods and processes to ensure data generation are repeatable and of high quality.
Suggest improvement of equipment and processes to increase efficiency and/or effectiveness of product screening.
Develop and maintain operating manuals and work instructions
Design and perform laboratory experiments to develop new products or improve existing ones.
Data Analysis & Recommendations(30%)
Responsible for developing data insights and communicating to stake holders within Product Development to ensure technologies are properly moving through the BWUP. Close coordination and frequent communications with all relevant staff to ensure quality goals for data and information are met.
Analyze and interpret experimental data to draw conclusions and make recommendations for product advancement.
Data analysis that includes cleaning, transforming, modeling, and graphing data.
Thoroughly document research procedures, data, and findings to ensure accurate records and reproducibility.
Ensure all data is stored in the appropriate repositories.
Cross Functional Support(20%)
Collaborate with other departments, such as production and quality control to understand product requirements and implement development.
Collaborate with other labs when projects required to meet objectives.
Consult and support field activities throughout the season as appropriate.
Participate in facility tours with stakeholders and prospective customers to communicate value and differentiating capabilities.
Safety(10%)
Contribute to the overall safety culture of the facility and exhibit behaviors reflecting safety is a core value of Land O'Lakes.
Follow all laboratory and field safety rules and regulations, including health and safety policies, to guarantee the highest quality results. Read SDSs of raw materials and experimental products. Read and follow all lab SOPs. Utilize proper PPE when working in the lab. Go through and complete lab training check list. Assist in keeping all labs safe and clean.
Participate in monthly safety meetings with the Product Development team and complete all safety modules as assigned.
Required Experience/Education:
- B.S. or M.S. in agronomy, plant physiology, horticulture, botany, chemistry or closely aligned field.
- 1 or more years experience in agricultural research and development (preferred)
- Working knowledge in experimentation and developing appropriate data and support material.
- Ability to make decisions and recommendations independently.
- Experience in research methodology to improve processes and meet quality standards.
- Experience with data management and familiarity with databases and data curation.
- Excellent organizational skills, interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work in a fast-past, team environment.
Salary range: $59,840 - $89,760
About Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.
Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).
Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.
