Research Scientist – Professional & Emerging Market Innovation
Job Description:
- Lead development and evaluation of professional growing media products and engineered substrate technologies.
- Lead university collaborative research for Sun Gro laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials to support product performance, formulation optimization, and commercialization.
- Develop technical solutions and evaluate substrate materials for professional horticulture and controlled environment agriculture markets.
- Provide technical support to Marketing, Sales, Grower Specialists, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and R&D teams.
- Support development of product specifications, technical claims, and performance positioning.
- Translate technical findings into commercially relevant recommendations and support grower-focused technical initiatives.
- Support grower trial programs, Sun Gro University webinar program development, and university and industry collaborations.
- Monitor emerging technologies, raw materials, and market trends related to growing media and controlled environment agriculture.
- Support development of next-generation growing media technologies aligned with company innovation and sustainability strategies.
Requirements:
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Horticulture, Soil Science, Plant Science, Controlled Environment Agriculture, or related field preferred.
- Experience in growing media, substrate science, greenhouse production, or controlled environment agriculture systems preferred.
- Experience conducting laboratory, greenhouse, and field research trials.
- Familiarity with professional horticulture, ornamental, food, or cannabis production systems preferred.
- Experience with technical product development and commercialization support preferred.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off