Scientist, Crop Modeling

About the Opportunity

Hybrid role at one of the following locations – US (Watsonville, CA or Dover, FL), Maidstone, UK, Breda, Netherlands, or Zambujeira do Mar, Portugal
The Scientist, Crop Modeling, will lead the development and validation of environmental-driven plant growth and yield models for berries. These models will be integrated into genomic prediction models to aid the evaluation of breeding selections for locations facing climate challenges. The scientist will utilize the berry crop growth and yield models to understand how future climate will impact berries’ production in current and new business locations for Driscoll’s. Another application of the crop growth and yield models will be to optimize plant management practices of new genetics, with a specific focus on obtaining high-flavor, high-quality fruit.
This position requires demonstrated abilities to analyze and summarize large datasets; the candidate will work on the synthesis, integration, and analysis of historical crop data, environmental variables, soil sensors, and field measurements. The ideal candidate has effective communication skills and will have strong foundations in plant systems biology, whole-plant physiology, with a background in agronomic systems. The scientist is expected to facilitate positive and solution-oriented discussions with key stakeholders like breeding, agronomy, plant health, and applied research and lead the identification of new business applications for the plant growth and yield models. The scientist will be integrated into the R&D Global Plant Research Team and report to the Director of Global Plant Research.

 Responsibilities

• Develops crop growth and yield models for berries using environmental data from test plots, greenhouses, and production regions.
• Analyzes field crop data, environmental and plant and soil sensor data relevant to developing crop growth and yield models. 
• Conducts model evaluations and analysis of berries' growth and performance using historical and future climate data from several geographical locations.
• Collaborates with cross functional teams for model integration.  
• Leads the identification of new business applications for the models developed. 
• Prepares quarterly updates and biannual research reports.
• Develops relevant mentoring or training programs to allow key users to utilize the berries crop models developed. 
• Develops talent, both through forma and informal relationships across the Enterprise. 
• Maintains a deep understanding of Driscoll’s breeding programs, production systems, and production environments. 
• Ensures the security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials. 
• Works well in a team environment by supporting fairness, a strong work ethic, accountability to the team and leading examples.
• Ability to travel up to 20% and hold a valid passport.
• Other duties as directed by manager.
 

    Candidate Profile

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, plant ecophysiology, environmental science, bioinformatics, statistics biosystems engineering, or related field preferred; or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 3+ years of related work experience required, preferably with both academia and industry-relevant background. 
• Understanding of GxExM component as the foundation for plant performance, and the ability to design genetic screening assays for fruit flavor traits.
• Ability to work with others at a high and collaborative level. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects across the enterprise. 
• Demonstrated ability (e.g., publication records) with developing, implementing and working with process-based crop growth and yield models for economically important fruit tree, vegetables or crops.
• Demonstrated strong programming skills (e.g. Python and R).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in berry crop production, propagation, or fruit production preferred.