Principal Research Agronomist

Overview

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Role:
Principal Research Agronomist

Location:

Hybrid in US

Reports To:

Chief Chemist

Employment Type:

Full-Time

At VM Agritech, we develop science-driven products that protect the health of plants, people, and soil. Our innovations deliver powerful results without compromising what matters. We provide solutions that are effective against pathogens and supportive of healthier plants, people, and ecosystems.

In approximately 15% of field trials with Curezin® fungicide and bactericide since 2022, we’ve observed yield and quality improvements that we think outstrip their attendant disease suppress ions, even in several instances where that disease suppression was excellent. For example, Curezin® generally achieved disease suppress ions at least as good as a g.s. while also provoking:

25% yield increases in peanuts vs g.s.

20% yield increases in pistachios vs g.s. (also 120% of UTC)

10% yield increases in snap beans vs g.s. (amounting to 150% of UTC)

9% yield increases and qualitatively bigger potatoes when tank-mixed with g.s. (140% vs UTC)

Yield increases up to 20% in wheat vs UTC, uniquely without achieving statistical disease control

20% yield increases in grapes vs g.s. with no reduction in Brix

Approximately 5% yield increases in RWSA/RWST from sugar beets either vs or when tank-mixed with g.s.

A qualitative bias toward more beans per pod in soybeans

Qualitatively bigger, ripe tomatoes in disproportionately less growing time

Qualitatively bigger, redder strawberries

With that foundation, we want a Principal Research Agronomist on staff to originate an R&D program in novel inorganic plant nutritional products.

• Develop a clear, science-based explanation for the observed improvements in crop yield and quality. This will include reviewing primary and secondary scientific literature, evaluating VMA’s intellectual property, and designing additional experiments to build on existing data, primarily through external collaborators such as field trials, greenhouse studies, and on-farm demonstrations.
• Design and iterate new plant nutrition products that complement and enhance Curezin®.
• Create comprehensive spray programs that optimize the performance and use of Curezin® and its derivative products.
• Identify opportunities within those spray programs where existing components can be replaced with new VMA-developed materials.
• Produce original technical and regulatory documentation, including patent applications, internal research reports, manufacturing instructions, inspection plans, and product labels for new products.
• Support sales and commercial teams by serving as the technical subject matter expert for products developed through the R&D program.
• Initially, the role will not include direct reports; however, it is expected to evolve into a leadership position. In the interim, you may supervise and mentor scientists at various levels, as well as co-ops, interns, and summer undergraduate researchers on an as-needed basis.
• Travel approximately once per month to attend conferences and field days, audit suppliers (including toll manufacturers and CROs), and visit customers.

• Education:
  
  A minimum of a baccalaureate degree in a natural science is required. An advanced degree is preferred, especially in agronomy, plant physiology, soil science, or adjacent disciplines.
• Experience:
  
  A minimum of 15 years of post-baccalaureate experience is required. Recent experience in agrochemicals is preferred, especially in plant micronutrient products.

• Highly competitive salary
• 401(k) with company match
• Fully company-paid health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible work arrangements and paid time off (PTO)
• Stock options
• Remote position may require Hybrid work in the future
• This is a remote position.