Plant Scientist Jobs

About Fyto

Do you strive to improve the world through sustainable agriculture? Do you want to develop technological solutions to grow more food while using fewer resources? Fyto grows unique aquatic plants through innovative automated processes to generate high quality feed, food, and fertilizer products with a dramatically lower carbon footprint. The company’s patented technology produces nutrient-dense ingredients using much less energy, water, land, labor, and fertilizer than conventional choices. Our company launched out of MIT in 2019 and is growing its team (and crops) in Northern California.

About The Role

We’re seeking an exceptional individual to help drive Fyto’s cutting edge aquatic plant science research. You should be a creative problem solver and have an eye for details. You should be comfortable conducting benchtop science AND multi-acre crop trials. This is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of an entirely new approach to the fast-growing climate-friendly plant-based protein revolution. Compensation will be competitive and dependent on experience. This is a full-time position based in Petaluma, CA. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and are subject to a background check.

Requirements

What You’ll Do

• Lead trials of Fyto’s biofertilizer products with a range of crops
• Collaborate with our science and engineering teams to optimize yield, nutritional composition, and quality of our aquatic plant crops
• Work with our engineers to develop state-of-the-art tools and sensors for plant analysis
• Expand and maintain Fyto’s biological library of aquatic crops and sophisticated understanding of each crop’s requirements and capabilities

Your Required Qualifications

• Ability to work with minimal supervision as well as with a team
• 3+ years of professional experience growing plants and deep understanding of plant physiology
• Curious learner who is flexible, creative, self-motivated, and able to solve problems from lab bench to farm-scale
• Owner mindset – willing to pitch in on everything to help the company succeed
• Master’s degree in plant science, crop science, agronomy, or related field
• Ability to thrive in the occasional ambiguity and roller-coaster ride of a startup environment
• Have a valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Strong computer skills, including experience with MS Office (Excel, Powerpoint, and Word)

Other Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience with multiple plant species
• Research experience with plant fertilizers
• Experience in the cultivation of aquatic plants or hydroponic systems
• Research experience focusing on plant physiology or plant nutrition
• Enthusiasm to interact with our farmer partners and customers

Physical Activity Requirements

• Walk across a variety of terrains, including uneven surfaces
• Work in conditions with varying humidity, sunlight and temperatures (32 o – 95oF depending on the season)
• Climb, jump, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and install equipment
• Lift and carry 25 lbs. but occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Stand for extended time periods

Fyto is committed to equal opportunity and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Fyto does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its recruitment processes and employment practices.