Job Description

Job Title: Sr. Research Technologist

Department: Research & Development

Reports To: VP of Research & Development

Location: San Juan Bautista, CA & Yuma, AZ

Pay Range: $80K+ DOE

Type : Year round

Seasonal Relocation: Preferred candidate would be willing to relocate to Yuma, AZ for 5 months every year (Mid-November through Mid-April), though relocation is not required.

Periodic Travel : Travel to Yuma, AZ will be 1–2 visits per month during desert season, with each visit lasting 3 days.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Under the supervision of the VP of Research & Development, the Sr. Research Technologist will be responsible for coordinating and performing experiments for various R&D projects related to harvesting, cooling, post-harvest storage, processing, packaging, new product and process development. The Sr. Research Technologist will work fairly independently; train and supervise the assignments of the Assistant R&D Technicians and student interns as well as assist in the development of protocols procedures and templates for data entry update the R&D trial calendar and support data analysis and reporting. The Sr. Research Technologist is responsible of checking the accuracy of data collection by the R&D Technician and interns, and will support new product launches, commercialization of new processes or processing equipment in a fast pace and cross-functional environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and/or support the execution and analysis of research projects at field, laboratory and processing plant level, including:

-Post-harvest technology: evaluation of new varieties, novel technologies, and optimization of postharvest handling practices, etc.

-Process improvements: validation and optimization of new or existing processes, processing lines, fresh-cut equipment, implementation of cost-savings initiatives, etc. 

-Product Development: process and packaging design, validation and commercialization of new products, process steps, procedures and packaging materials. 

• Support cross-functional communication with other departments (Production, Scheduling, Shipping, Quality, and Food Safety) under the supervision of the VP of Research & Development.
• Responsible for the evaluation of microbial & sensory quality, and shelf life performance of fresh-cut leafy greens and other vegetables with accurate and timely data collection and analysis.
• Report research outcomes and assist in the preparation of technical reports.
• Support Marketing and Sales teams for product launches including visual displays, bench top prototypes, and customer support.
• Support the commercialization of new products by providing KPI’s through post-launch product monitoring.
• Maintain inventories of supplies and equipment for laboratory use.
• Keep detailed records of trials in written and electronic form.
• Provide training and mentorship to R&D Technicians and student interns.
• Maintain a proactive communication with the Sr. Research Scientist and the VP of R&D.
• Other duties may be assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Agricultural/Horticultural Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience in postharvest technology, fresh-cut processing, new product development or quality and food safety within fresh produce or related sectors.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Self-motivated, curious and life-long learner.
• Work well in a team and independently.
• Successfully manage several projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish-English.
• Able to travel up to 30% to different growing regions, cooling operations and processing facilities. 
• Willing to work flexible hours.

Preferred Qualifications and Certifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Food Science, Horticulture, Postharvest Biology, Plant Physiology, Microbiology, or Chemical Engineering).
• Demonstrated experience with experimental design, data modeling, shelf life studies, or pilot-scale process validation.

-Preventive Controls Qualified Individual

-HACCP

-Safe Quality Food

• Statistical Analysis or Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to handle multiple projects and work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions. Must be able to work well under stress and communicate effectively with other managers and staff. The work environment includes exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, wet and slippery conditions. Must actively contribute to a respectful, friendly, supportive and positive workplace environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The physical demands described must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Light to moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds).
• Working under hot, cold, wet, and noisy conditions. 

True Leaf Farms is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

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