The primary purpose of Lead Scientis role is to provide general leadership in the development of new seed technologies and has specific responsibilities in developing new/ improved priming, seed disinfection, nutrient absorption, seed pelleting, pesticide film coating in Sugar Beet and in Horticulture as well as identify methods to enhance seed performance. The role must utilize significant experience of working in the seed treatment arena with knowledge of plant and seed physiology and creatively applying this expertise to the development of new products and services in order to remain in the forefront of technology in the market.  This position leads groups tasked with generating information and data that will support Sales and Marketing initiatives with customers. The job holder is also aware of current commercial products and works with Operations to maintain (and where possible improve) the quality of these and to support the introduction of new products and processes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Identify, initiate and lead research and development of new seed treatments and enabling technologies for the improvement of germination, vigour of seeds, and plant growth on both sugar beet and horticultural species.
• To fully utilise company systems such as PMO to accurately record all results, provide detailed statistical analysis of relevant information, track project delivery times and to provide interpretation of results to senior management.
• Allocates teams tasks and project activities as agreed and assigns tasks to meet local strategic and tactical goals.
• Responsible for leading, developing and managing team of specialists; will have full management authority including conducting performance reviews, recruitment, disciplinary action, etc.
• Conduct statistical analysis on study results to identify patterns and trends.
• Write clear and concise reports to enable the presentation of findings and conclusions, as well as proposed next steps.
• Communicate and transfer technical knowledge to manufacturing team and product specifications /usage guidelines to the commercial team to allow large scale application and launch of new technologies
• Work closely with operations to periodically review manufacturing processes. Ensure that maximum efficiencies are being achieved through all processes, and to successfully introduce new processes.
• Allocate and manage specific ad hoc projects within specified timescales within the NA R&D group.
• To build effective internal and external relationships, industrial, academic and commercial, and to ensure a clear understanding of customer needs and business priorities.
• To maintain the effective completion and analysis of all NPD seed field trials.
• Build new project proposals for consideration that meet the needs of customers through collaboration with technical and commercial colleagues.
• Transfer Knowledge to group members where necessary and appropriate, protecting the intellectual property of Germains at all time.
• Represent Germains on external project teams.
• Ensure work meets the required quality standards through rigorous adherence to policy, procedures and prescribed standards, making justified recommendations for improvements where required.
• Build effective relationships with key stakeholders from around the business to ensure that policies and procedures are followed and amended so they are fit for purpose.
• Respond to day-to-day internal and external HR requests as required.

Experience

• 5-7 years of post-graduate experience in biological sciences with experience in seed physiology and the conduct of laboratory and agricultural field trials.
• MS Excel, Access, Outlook and Word (tested to minimum of intermediate level proficiency)
• Previous experience with management of a team and proven leadership abilities required

Education

• As a minimum, candidate should hold a MSc Degree in a relevant physical or biological science (PhD would be preferable)

Germains is committed to personal development within the business so any requirements for individuals in terms of assistance, guidance and training will be considered. A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered for the role which will be commensurate with the experience and track record of the successful candidate. As we operate a continuous process some weekend working during our peak season might be required. If you wish to apply for this position, please send your resume and a cover letter to Janet Bryan at jbryan@germains.com.

Learn more and apply online at:

• https://germains.com/us/career/lead-scientist-2/

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the USA. 

Closing date for all applications: 12:00 noon, Friday, September 21, 2018.