Plant Scientist

Local Roots’ mission is to improve global health by building a better food system. We design, build, deploy, and operate cutting-edge indoor farming projects. Our controlled environment farms yield the highest quality, locally-grown produce using breakthrough technologies that allow us to grow with 99% less water, pesticide and herbicide free, and with perfect consistency in production. Every day we work on innovating agriculture in ways that others think impossible. Our goals are audacious and we are committed to positively impacting the future of humanity. To accomplish our mission, we need the most talented people on the planet.

Role – As a Plant Scientist at Local Roots you’ll be designing all aspects of our growing practices in order to optimize plant growth. Ideal applicants are self-starting problem solvers, hard-working, detail oriented, and exceptionally organized with a passion for agriculture, healthy lifestyles, and technology. We’re looking for an individual who is excited to innovate in Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) and take ownership over projects that will change the world of agriculture.

Responsibilities – You should be confident making significant contributions in the following categories:

• Optimizing plant growth in state-of-the-art CEA farms including identifying improvements to be made in the farm design and the growing process
• Planning and conducting microbiology, photobiology, and physiology experiments in CEA including studying water additives, fertilizers, growing mediums, sterilization techniques, light intensity, and more
• Working closely with the engineering team to design all aspects of the next generation farms in order to maximize yields and crop health

Requirements – Your background should include the following:

• Significant knowledge and expertise in plant physiology, photobiology, root zone conditions, breeding, cultivar selection, genetics, agronomy, horticulture, and all areas of plant science and crop production with a firm understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms and knowledge of “why?”
• 3+ years of professional applied plant science or horticultural research
• Indoor growing experience (CEA preferred, but Greenhouse sufficient)
• PhD in molecular biology, plant physiology, horticulture, or equivalent

Bonus Skills – Bonus points if any of these also describe you:

• 5+ years in CEA
• 10+ years professional plant science research
• Experience designing, prototyping, sourcing, building, and commissioning greenhouses and indoor farms
• Experience with plant disease and growing protocols
• Experience with vertical hydroponic systems
• Experience with plant breeding programs

Apply now if this describes you and you are interested working with a brilliant team of designers, passionate foodies, and technology junkies!