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.