Flavor Trait Discovery Scientist

About the Opportunity

The Flavor Trait Discovery Scientist will be responsible for leading and developing a small team to implement new and existing metabolomics technologies across all berry crops to generate fruit quality phenotypes in collaboration with plant breeding, molecular genetics, sensory, and post-harvest teams. Collected data will fuel molecular marker development, genomic prediction models, and variety advancement decisions. The Flavor Trait Discovery Scientist will use in-depth knowledge of best practices for fruit quality testing in fresh fruits using analytical instrumentation to support the development of a rolling strategic roadmap of science activities for metabolomics. Primary duties will include working independently to continuously improve workflows, implementing best practices of process improvement, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment to drive successful project outcomes, communicating progress regularly to project stakeholders through meetings and written reports, ensuring equipment receives regular maintenance to support efficient and effective lab activities, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

The Flavor Trait Discovery Scientist will execute project goals and timelines involving cross-functional teams and stay current with the techniques and data solutions that would aid Driscoll's in accomplishing our mission. This is an exciting research opportunity to explore the phenotypic diversity of traits in the development of superior Driscoll's berry varieties.

Responsibilities

• Lead flavor chemistry and plant metabolomics discovery and validation studies.

• Lead and supervise activities of daily operation, maintenance, and quality control of Flavor Trait Discovery platforms and workstreams to ensure prompt turnaround from received sample to delivered result for trait development, genetic studies, phenotypic selection, and product development/differentiation.

• Interpret and report on chromatography and mass spectrometry data using metabolomics and cheminformatics approaches.

• Develop, perform, and optimize metabolite extraction and analytical chemistry workflows in berries.

• Stay current with emerging technologies in metabolomics to evaluate and integrate new tools that enhance throughput or resolution.

• Demonstrate consistent project leadership by fostering a collaborative and innovative environment to drive successful project outcomes, communicating progress regularly to project stakeholders through meetings and written reports.

• Lead and supervise regular updates and maintenance of lab databases to reflect accurate inventory and data collection workstreams.

• Perform data analysis, data reporting, and communicate findings through written, oral reports, and presentations.

• Support the Breeding Technology Lead in developing a rolling strategic roadmap of science activities to achieve organizational initiatives.

• Develop and deploy an annual tactical plan and capacity map of science activities to achieve organizational initiatives.

• Recruit and manage technical staff to ensure robust learning and career development consistent with the Company's values.

• Keep a stocked, clean, and orderly laboratory to promote safety and productivity.

• Keep up-to-date digital lab notebooks and contribute to SOPs.

• Continually develop professional network, leadership, and technical skills through attendance of breeding summits, conferences, symposia, and workshops.

• Lead lab tours as needed.

• Domestic and international travel required as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Profile

• Ph.D. degree in flavor chemistry, plant biochemistry, molecular genetics, plant science, plant breeding or a similar discipline.
• 4-6 years' experience in Research and Development, with 3-5 years' experience in flavor chemistry, plant metabolomics, and chemoinformatic, and 1-2 years' experience in plant molecular genetics.
• Prior academic or research laboratory experience.
• 2+ years of people management experience.
• Experience operating and maintaining lab instrumentation such as gas chromatography - mass spectroscopy and liquid chromatography - mass spectroscopy is required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and modify plant metabolomic workflows including sample preparation, metabolite extraction, instrument methods, and data analysis.
• Experience with statistical data analysis software e.g. JMP, R, SAS, etc.
• Ability to work with dynamic and diverse team of researchers and scientists.
• Be able to work in both a research lab and outdoor field environment.
• Be reliable, honest, and trustworthy, with advanced communication skills.
• Intermediate experience using spreadsheet application.
• Advanced experience supporting analytical workflows including sample preparation, instrument operation and maintenance.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of plant biosynthetic pathways and genetic mechanisms is desired.
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of automated liquid handling robotics and their associated workflows desired.
• Hands-on experience with other analytical instrumentation such as FTIR, NIR, DESI, HRAM MS etc.
• Hands-on experience with various biological sample preparations and metabolite extractions is desired.
• Proficient in coding e.g. Python, R.
• Driver's license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program.
• A valid passport and ability to travel internationally without restrictions.

Compensation & Benefits

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.

Salary Range estimated for the Flavor Trait Discovery Scientist: $80,000.00/year to $121,000.00/year.

Driscoll's is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that varies between our locations. Benefits may include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week (US). Other benefits may include: 401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More detailed information regarding the benefits package based on your geographic location will be shared during the application process.

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