Director of Research Job Description Sample Template

JOB TITLE:

  • Director of Research

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Be at the forefront of new crops, processes, and product development.
  • oversee the designing and execution of crop management programs, as well as the development of projects pertaining to commercial cannabis potted crop production at multiple cultivation facilities.
  • Supports the Vice President of Production in developing and enhancing growing systems and processes that operate at scale.
  • Collaborates with a cross-functional team of Directors (Cultivation, Operations, Facilities & Retail) to determine scalability and consistency across production input.
  • Assembles experiment with tracking data to analyze and create strategic plans to launch new processes to production.
  • Evaluates and define new growth methods to drive yield, quality, and plant health.
  • Performs lab analyses using scientific equipment and statical software.
  • Develops and implements sustainable research farm systems to deliver high-quality data for plant breeding and applied research trials to guide commercial decisions accurately.
  • Mentors and onboard new research farm staff and foster development and collaboration.
  • Ensures the research and development function operates within the approved budgetary targets by managing and monitoring expenditures, accordingly, including larger capital purchases.
  • Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE and QUALIFICATIONS:

  • An advanced degree (Ph.D.) in Plant Physiology, Plant Nutrition, Plant Pathology, or a related field, is required.
  • 2+ years of work/university lab/postdoc experience in horticultural crops, highly desirable.
  • Extensive knowledge of crop and plant physiology, experimental design, and field trials, is required.
  • Strong knowledge of plant nutrition, crop physiology, biochemistries, and productivity, is required.
  • Experience in a collaborative and cross-disciplinary team of Directors to optimize growing conditions, systems, and processes for plant production.
  • Proven prior leadership experience.
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex scientific concepts to cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to utilize Microsoft Office programs (excel, word, PowerPoint, etc.), Trellis software, Google Spreadsheet, and Google Docs.
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age per state regulations and pass a criminal background check.
  • A valid driver’s license and be insurable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform frequent grasping, lifting, walking, standing, some bending/crouching, stooping, stretching, speaking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Close vision at 20 inches or less. Manual dexterity to reach/handle items work with fingers.
  • Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods while maintaining focus.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and balance up to 35 pounds (70 pounds with assistance)
  • Work is subject to weather conditions, including rain and extreme hot or cold temperatures.
  • May require working rotating shifts with varied hours/days, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.