Research Leader Full Time

RESEARCH LEAD (PLANT SCIENCE / PLANT PHYSIOLOGY)

BASED INVERGOWRIE SALARY TO C£45-55,0000 PLUS BENS

Have you ever wanted to work for a company doing something truly incredible, disruptive and working for the greater good of planet Earth?  Well, here is your chance.  Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) is a fast growing innovative Agritech SME changing how the world does farming.  Their leading edge indoor vertical farming towers allow IGS to control the weather and grow a range of plants, crops, fruit and herbs simultaneously at optimum conditions anywhere in the world.

Employing over 220 staff between sites in Edinburgh, outside Dundee (co-located and collaborating with the James Hutton institute) and Inverkeithing in Fife, we are deploying vertical farming towers globally. Our Crop Research Centre (CRC) in Tayside proudly boasts five vertical towers capable of testing and growing multiple species of plants, vegetables, soft fruit, herbs, flowers and bedding plants. As our trials increase globally we now need to make the key hire of a Research Lead.

Reporting to the Head of Science, the Research Lead will manage a team of researchers focused on fast paced crop research projects. You will utilise your strong plant biology knowledge to drive innovation and accelerate current and future research pipelines. The research Lead will be responsible for leading and coordinating various national and international projects with IGS Research Network partners. The CRC is responsible for both internal and external customer trials and research projects. In this highly commercial facing role, you will support other functions to ensure smooth onboarding of new clients and proof of concept. Other key responsibilities include:

Responsible for writing & executing research projects in alignment with the crop research strategy.
Responsible for developing the project plan including resource estimation and timelines for project delivery.
Responsible for managing a team of 3-5 researchers, designing the trial strategy, planning and execution of crop growth trials.
Responsible for data analysis & project report generation for the management team.
Developing novel recipes using various light, nutrient & environmental modulation in IGS growth towers.
Coordinating various cross functional research projects at IGS.
The right candidate is ideally educated to MSC/PhD calibre in a Scientific discipline; biology, botany or a plant/crop sciences discipline.  This role will suit highly experienced Plant Scientists, Plant Physiologists, Research Leaders / Managers or Lab Managers with experience in plant growth (indoor experience e.g. Green House, Container, Vertical Farm a distinct advantage). A very good understanding of plant biological and growth processes, cell and plant development, photobiology, nutrients, growth substrates and fertigation systems is required. Knowledge on genetic modulation, new breeding technologies, metabolic and other omics analysis is desirable. You will need to show proven people/team leadership experience and be capable of constructing and executing large trials and studies; ideally on an international basis.

This represents an incredible opportunity to “give something back” and be part of a culture geared to helping others internally and externally.  Your leading base salary (up to £45-55,000 per annum) is complemented by an extensive benefits package including private medical insurance, great pension, long term sickness cover and 35 days annual leave.  Career stability and growth can be taken as a given.

To apply for this role please apply to our inhouse Talent acquisition Manager Bruce Hydes.