Research Agronomist

**Who we are**:*

Lucent BioSciences is on a mission to accelerate sustainable agriculture by delivering crop nutrition that improves yield, and soil health and sequesters carbon. Soileos is our first product: a cellulose-based smart micronutrient fertilizer offering higher yields while improving soil health. We are dedicated to transforming agriculture and developing more sustainable farming practices.

**Who we’re looking for**:*

A reliable, hard-working, and enthusiastic Research Agronomist to join our growing team. The Research Agronomist will report to the Chief Product Officer and help execute the ACT Project. This role will design research material using standard methods, including the sample preparation for Germination Tests, planting, transplanting, and harvesting crops grown in chambers and greenhouse. The Research Agronomist will also conduct laboratory and greenhouse work within the greenhouse facility following established testing of evaluation of germinated seedlings and mature plants grown under a controlled environment, data collection and interpretation, and monitoring all aspects of the test for routine crop varieties such as legumes, cereals, grasses, vegetables, and special crops.

**Your responsibilities**:*

As a member of the Product Team, your primary responsibilities include:

- Contribute to maintaining a positive and safe work environment.
- Assist in the development of experimental designs and standard operating procedures for growth chambers and greenhouse trials.
- Operate Lucent’s greenhouse and growth chambers including the following key tasks: Manage the environmental control system (Argus) as per crop growing requirements; Prepare fertilizer stock solution and schedule watering and fertilization events according to crop needs and in consideration of experimental designs; Maintain plant material by pruning, training, and completing pest and disease control as necessary.
- Plant and maintain seedlings and mature plants under a controlled environment.
- Conduct Germination Testing Following AOSA (Association of Official Seed Analysts), ISTA (International Seed Testing Association), Canada Testing Rules, and company’s protocols and perform seedling evaluations.
- Cross-train in conducting germination testing in both germinator machine and greenhouse setting.
- Tracks all seed samples in the germinator every day (Wednesday to Sunday) based on the established protocol to ensure preliminary and final evaluations of samples are conducted on the appropriate dates.
- Monitors the overall performance of the germination system every day to ensure it is functioning properly and reports any concerns and help in troubleshooting.
- Evaluates viability results (e.g., normal, abnormal, or dead), germination rate, accumulated germination percentage, and morphological characteristics for most species submitted to the greenhouse for testing.
- Follows established procedures, rules, and regulations when mixing chemicals used in the greenhouse.
- Collect agronomic measurements and input all data into the appropriate systems (Google Drive or GDM ARM software).
- Collect, store, and submit samples (water, soil, plant tissue, grain, etc.) for analysis following standard operating procedures.
- Complete data interpretation and research reporting.
- Provide weekly updates to the Agronomy Team on the status of the greenhouse research.
- Identify potential issues and communicate effectively with the Agronomy Team for problem-solving to keep research objectives and deliverables on budget and on schedule.
- Monitors the chemical storage inventory and reports when supplies need to be reordered.
- Assists in the disposal of seeds being purged from the seed filing area.
- Gathers and transports contaminated greenhouse materials into the designated areas.
- Washes, sterilizes, sorts, and restocks used equipment according to laboratory procedures.
- Troubleshoot and monitor for irregularities in seed or seedling test results, media, temperatures, equipment, and facilities.
- Expand knowledge and professionalism in seed and crop science technology.
- Review and update standard operating procedures for germination and product testing.
- Maintain growth chambers and greenhouse in a clean, safe, and organized manner.

**You’ll be a great match if you have these skills & experience**:*
- M.Sc. in Agricultural, Plant Science or related field
- One year of work experience in greenhouse
- Excellent oral and written communication; exceptional interpersonal skills
- Skilled in prioritization, problem-solving, organization, critical thinking, decision-making, time management, and planning activities
- Self-motivated and high attention to detail required
- Ability to collaborate with internal and external colleagues and work well in a team-oriented setting
- We’re a science-based company; COVID vaccination is a requirement.

**Your compensation + benefits**
- A competitive base salary
- 2-weeks of vacation
- Ex