Research Associate

Reposted 23 Hours Ago
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Danville, VA
In-Office
Entry level
Agriculture
The Role
The Research Associate will support the R&D team in plant science experiments, data collection, and operational activities, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
Summary Generated by Built In

Research Associate (Nights 6PM - 2:30AM)

About AeroFarms:

The world needs our help. Today 8 billion people live on the planet with less arable land than ever before. We need a solution to cultivate more using less and define the future of farming for generations to come.
AeroFarms is part of that solution, transforming agriculture with people and planet in mind. As a Certified B Corporation and pioneer in indoor vertical farming, we use our proprietary technology to grow produce using up to 95% less water and no pesticides ever. The result is a portfolio of products that burst with flavor, taste, and nutritional value. Leading the industry, AeroFarms has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies five years in a row, topped Fortune Magazine’s 2022 Change the World Company List, and was recognized as one of the 95 “Brands That Matter” by Fast Company.
Now in over 1,000 stores across the United States, we are scaling our award-winning brand and technology around the world. As AeroFarms approaches our next phase of explosive growth, we seek passionate and motivated individuals to join our team. If a team of intellectually curious coworkers and our change-the-world mission resonates with you, apply today. Learn more about AeroFarms and join us to change the world as we grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity.

Click here to watch a video and learn more about AeroFarms

Position SummaryWe are seeking a Research Associate (Night Shift) to support the Research & Development team in the design, execution, and documentation of plant science experiments. This role will assist in experimental setup, collect environmental and plant data, conduct plant tissue and water sampling, and support operational growing activities. The Research Associate will play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of research outcomes, while also maintaining compliance with food safety and operational standards.Key ResponsibilitiesExperimental Setup & Data Collection
  • Assist with the design and setup of crop and environmental experiments.
  • Collect and record environmental and plant data in alignment with study protocols.
  • Perform plant tissue and water sample collection for laboratory analysis.
  • - Conduct plant scouting and provide timely reporting on observations.
Documentation & Reporting
  • - Maintain accurate records of all experimental procedures, observations, and results.
  • - Support preparation of data summaries and research reports for internal use.
  • - Utilize Microsoft Excel or related data analysis tools for record keeping and reporting.
Operational Support
  • - Collaborate with growing operations to align research activities with farm processes.
  • - Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and document completed tasks digitally or on paper logs.
Food Safety & Compliance
  • - Follow GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and AeroFarms’ food safety standards at all times.
  • - Maintain a clean and organized work environment in compliance with USDA/FDA and internal quality standards.
Work Environment- Night shift position within an indoor vertical farm and laboratory environment.
- Work involves both controlled environment agriculture systems and lab-based analysis.
- Requires standing and walking for long periods, working at heights and in confined spaces, and lifting up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Adherence to strict food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness protocols.
QualificationsRequired
  • Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Food Science, or related field.
  • General knowledge of plant physiology, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, and food safety.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or related data analysis software.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality.
  • Ability to stand and walk for long periods.
  • Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and lift 50 pounds regularly.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn technical systems.
Preferred
  • General lab experience in horticulture, plant science, or agronomy research.
  • Experience or knowledge of operating controlled environment agriculture systems.
  • Experience or knowledge of plant imaging systems.
  • Plumbing and/or electrical knowledge and experience.
  • Microgreens cultivation experience
Why Join Us?
  • - Work at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and food innovation.
    - Contribute directly to cutting-edge plant science research.
    - Gain hands-on experience in vertical farming, automation, and environmental controls.

Internal candidatesseeking a promotion must have completed a minimum of six months in their current role before becoming eligible for consideration. 

*Please note that AeroFarms does not work with any external staffing/recruitment vendors. Any unsolicited resumes shared with the AeroFarms team will be considered property of AeroFarms and no recruitment fees of any kind will be paid or owed unless an existing recruitment agreement exists alongside with specific engagement for the role in question. 

Top Skills

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The Company
HQ: Newark, NJ
182 Employees
Year Founded: 2004

What We Do

AeroFarms is on a bold mission to grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity.

We are an award-winning indoor farming company and Certified B Corporation transforming agriculture with people and planet in mind. Using the latest breakthroughs in vertical farming, artificial intelligence and plant biology, we are fixing our broken food system and improving the way fresh produce is grown and distributed locally and globally. We have built a proprietary agriculture platform to grow a wide array of products, delivering superior flavor, better quality and improved nutrition with the most sophisticated levels of traceability & food safety in our industry. The unique way we grow indoors creates the perfect conditions for healthy plants to thrive, allowing us to deliver the highest quality produce to our customers all year round, while using up to 95% less water, 99% less land, 390X more productivity and zero pesticides compared to traditional field farming.

We have been leading the indoor farming industry for over a decade, and proud to have been recognized with over 50 Awards for our breakthrough technology, commitment to people and planet, and the achievements of our world-class team, including TIME's Best Inventions, Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and Fast Company's World Changing Ideas for 4 years in a row. Join our team and let's reach new heights: https://www.aerofarms.com/careers/

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