Plant Pathologist Scientist Job Description Sample Template

JOB TITLE:

  •  Plant Pathologist Scientist

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop, implement, and manage an in-house plant pathology program to ensure intake of clean explant material for tissue culture, pathogen elimination strategies to address plant health and delivery of pathogen-free tissue-culture clones to customers.
  • Characterize, identify and manage viruses/viroids of interest.
  • Identify, screen, and characterize plant pathogens both in the laboratory and under field conditions using classical pathology tools.
  • Experience applying DNA, RNA- based molecular tools and evaluating 3rd party reagents for pathogen screening
  • Keep up to date on regulatory policies pertaining to cannabis pathogens.
  • Stay current on surveys for new or re-emerging high-consequence plant pathogens.
  • Demonstrate the capability to be collaborative and effective in transitioning to new ideas and projects.
  • Provide training, technical information, and guidelines to mitigate the risk of plant diseases for internal and external customers.
  • Work with the executive team as requested to respond to the needs of the business.

EXPERIENCE and QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in agriculture, plant pathology, virology, or related field.
  • 3+ years of commercial research experience in agricultural and/or horticultural industries in a plant pathologist/virologist position.
  • Experience with analyzing research and product trends, anticipating and identifying opportunities, and developing insight at a strategic level.
  • Strong scientific background with problem-solving skills.
  • Disciplined and rigorous approach to hypothesis-driven research, process improvement, and change management.
  • Detail-oriented, excellent organizational and communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position, move and/or position oneself, communicate, operate, and/or prepare, place, position objects, tools, or controls. 
  • The employee must occasionally move packages weighing up to 10 lb. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close observation and the ability to adjust focus. 
  • The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.