R&D Associate-Nutrition

R&D Associate - Nutrition

The R&D Associate - Nutrition manages daily testing and workflows for the R&D lab. Conducts, and interprets laboratory research studies, exercising professional judgment data analysis, and recommendations to support product development and business objectives for the Profile Growing Solutions Business Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development trials on nutrient products and materials including new product development and support for existing products.
• Develop and manage research data of nutrient products, materials and clearly present to teams
• Independently manages the daily operations of the Florikan R&D laboratory, including establishing testing priorities, ensuring scientific integrity of research activities, troubleshooting methodologies, evaluating data quality, and making operational decisions necessary to achieve research objectives.
• Equipment calibration/maintenance. Material safety compliance and storage, and regular cleaning
• Work closely with Manufacturing and Quality Control teams to coordinate nutrient related production trials and support the development of product formulations and quality standards
• Maintain detailed records for R&D and for general nutrient projects, trials, laboratory tests/experiments, samples, etc.
• Provide QA/QC Support to fertilizer operations teams as needed
• Perform other duties as requested

Essential Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong ability to work independently and think critically while also being able to take direction and collaborate well in a team environment.
• Strong follow-thru skills with a sense of ownership and time management
• Ability to communicate highly technical details
• Data management and processing skills
• High attention to detail and the ability to record detailed observations
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and competing projects at a given time.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise presentations and reports that are understandable by the target audience.
• Strong ability to analyze and solve complex problems independently, and through collaboration across various departments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and deliver on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated initiative; results oriented.
• Proven ability to be highly organized and to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A proven ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and present ideas competently and persuasively.
• Strong computer skills that include proficiency with Ms. Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Teams.

Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture/agriculture, chemistry, polymer, or material science or related sciences required.
• Minimum two years of experience in fertilizer/horticulture/agriculture industries, polymer, and material science, or in a lab-based setting preferred.
• Experience with technical lab equipment or machinery.
• Strong ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Strong ability to problem solve and maintain a resilient attitude with changing priorities and challenges.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks with accuracy and precision.
• Experience in product development is preferred.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and speak in English; Ability to speak and to understand Basic Spanish preferred.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this central functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely required to talk or hear.
• Possesses the ability to fulfill office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to: Remaining seated for periods of time, performing computer entry, and filing activity, and lifting and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.).
• Possesses the ability to fulfill laboratory activities normally expected in a laboratory setting, to include, but are not limited to: Remaining seated or standing for periods of time, recording data, and performing tests with specialized equipment
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Fine hand manipulation (Keyboarding, data collection with instrumentation).