Plant Pathologist

Job title: Plant Pathologist

Company: Farmer’s Business Network

Job description: Company Overview

Proudly Farmers First℠!

What do you get when you cross the best of Silicon Valley innovation and technology with the value driven mission of Family Farmers around the world?

Farmers Business Network, Inc. (FBN℠)!

FBN℠ was created by farmers for farmers and is on a mission to power the prosperity of Family Farmers around the world by leveling the playing field through insights, commerce and community. Our goal is to enable them to make smart business decisions that maximize their farms profit potential for generations to come, helping to ensure the fundamental economic viability and sustainability of family farms and rural communities.

We are a dynamic, and innovative AgTech company that offers competitive compensation and benefits and is backed by top investors including Google Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, DBL Partners, T Rowe Price and Temasek.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Canola Breeder, the Plant Pathologist is a key contributor to FBN’s scientific innovation and leadership in the area of researching, developing and executing on bioassays primarily for Canola and other related broad acre crops. Acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) the Plant Pathologist will liaise with other scientists, government representatives and other professionals in remaining abreast of industry developments and trends. Utilizing their scientific expertise and knowledge they will be relied upon to design experiments and provide solutions towards disease resistance strategies for FBN’s Canola and other key crops of interest.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, report and make presentations on advancements in global research in canola, corn, hemp and other related crop pathology
• Design, develop, and adopt screening tests (bioassays) for important canola diseases both in field and controlled environments from industry best practices and research
• Increase inoculum for disease screening in field and controlled environments
• Develop assays to increase inoculum for disease application
• Supervise disease screening in field and controlled environments
• Support development of molecular marker tests for important canola diseases
• Take active role in trait integration projects related to disease resistance genes
• Support any plant disease related work in other crops such as corn, hemp, or other broad acre crops
• Coordinate and evaluate field product development trials, ensuring that they meet the required parameters
• Travel to yield trial sites, research facilities and breeding stations
• Attend both remote and virtual conferences and meetings, where appropriate present on topics related to pathology
• Write detailed reports utilizing knowledge of statistical methods and industry terminology
• Take active role as pathology representative for FBN with Canola pathology industry
• Other duties as required

Qualifications

Formal Education or Equivalent

• Masters degree (PhD preferred) in Plant Science or Pathology with specific focus on Canola.

Years of Experience

• Post-doctoral or industry experience with proven track record of publications
• Minimum 3 years in academia or related field experience in plant pathology with specific emphasis on developing and reporting on assays in Canola
• Experience working with aseptic standards, policies and techniques

Characteristics

• Passionate about agriculture, farming and desire to put Farmers First®
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced start-up environment
• Highly independent, goal-oriented and solution driven
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing
• Self-starter
• Ability to effectively organize and manage workload of multiple tasks in order to meet project goals and deadlines
• Project management in a team-oriented atmosphere
• Understanding of plant pathology, statistical analysis and experimental design
• Deep knowledge of Canola diseases, including identification and causes
• Skilled in generating reports/charts/summary tables to communicate results and progress
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with integrated seed software solutions
• Ability to travel for extended periods of time during the growing season in order to evaluate product trials
• Must be able to travel ~20% of the time

Expected salary:

Location: Canada

Job date: Sat, 19 Dec 2020 06:15:04 GMT