About the Role

The Research Scientist will work in collaboration with plant breeders, applied research managers, nursery managers, and production managers, to assist in the execution of on-farm trials to facilitate the successful introduction and commercialization of new varieties. The Research Scientist will be responsible for coordinating the testing of advanced stage genetics in on-farm trials and will be part of a cross-functional team to ensure the successful deployment of improved genetics in Strawberry, Raspberry, Blackberry and Blueberry. This position has an expectation to provide consistency and standardization to experimental design, data collection, analysis and reporting structure. The intended outcome of this work is to identify varieties for commercialization that are differentiated in the marketplace and provide a competitive advantage to growers.

About the Company

Driscoll's is the leading supplier and marketer of organic and conventional strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries in the world.
A fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company, Driscoll’s has built upon the genetic work and innovation of our founders to fulfill our mission to ‘Continually Delight Berry Consumers.’ We utilize traditional plant breeding methods to create plant varieties (genetic breeds) that produce ONLY THE FINEST BERRIES™. This plant material is then patented, cultivated in Driscoll’s nurseries and supplied to our independent farmer partners around the world to grow Driscoll’s brand berries. 

 Driscoll’s company culture is rooted in our mission, values, and commitment to creating a supportive work environment that fosters open and friendly communication, encourages collaboration and team interaction, and provides clear focus and direction. 

 At Driscoll’s, we’re committed to Growing Great People. This means that we help our employees learn about and support our overall business strategies. We also provide opportunities for individuals to grow along with the company. Most importantly, Driscoll’s encourages our employees to achieve their career growth and cultivate their personal well-being. For more information about our company, including our Mission and Values, please go to www.driscolls.com.

Responsibilities include:

• • Assure that plants for on-farm trials are properly allocated according to growers, locations, and regions of adaptability
• Assure logistics are in place for appropriate issuance of planting stock to on-farm trial growers
• Prepare the necessary on-farm trial agreements
• Assure on-farm trial agreements are timely delivered and properly executed prior to issuance of plants to growers
• Assure that basic data is collected for decisions to commercialize new varieties
• Coordinate data collection (yield, quality, plant growth parameters, disease and insect incidence) and trial reporting with the regional applied research managers and the local commercialization team
• Incorporate on-farm trial results into production guides
• Work with growers to ensure adoption and or creation of best management practices that maximize genetic value
• Assist in organizing field days and visits to on-farm trials and other education programming for stakeholders at the regional, national and international level
• Acquire phytosanitary and plant passports where required
• Visit on-farm trials and prepare visitation reports for plant breeders and other decision makers in the organization
• Maintain good relationships with peers, managers, subordinates, and outside groups that would include Driscoll’s growers and customers
• Work cross-functionally as needed to achieve Driscoll’s Mission. Partner with others to achieve mutual goals. Be a team player in furthering Driscoll’s Mission
• General Responsibilities:
  • Follow company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with growers, employees, government agencies, customers, etc.
  • Protect Driscoll’s confidentiality and proprietary information and materials.
  • Maintain a safe and professional work area.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by employees in this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all the job's responsibilities. At Driscoll’s, all of our jobs include broad responsibilities for continually improving the processes we use to develop our products.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Horticultural Science, plant breeding or equivalent field.
• The ideal candidate must demonstrate a professional and flexible attitude with enthusiasm.
• He or she will need to have a pro-active approach with the ability to communicate on all levels.
• This position will require frequent travel and overnight trips will be common.
• English fluency and literacy required with Spanish skills being an asset.
• Competency in experimental design and statistical analyses are required but also the ability to learn and generate recommendations from unreplicated observations is essential.
• Must maintain a clean driving record and the necessary documents for international travel.
• Must be a self-starter, willing to travel domestically and internationally, able and effective working independently and have strong working relationships with growers, team members, employees, and management.

To Apply, please visit the Careers section of our website at www.driscolls.com and apply to Job # 741134.
Please also include a cover letter that provides a brief overview of your experience as it relates to this role, and why you are interested in Driscoll’s.

We appreciate your interest in Driscoll’s.