Research Coordinator

Overview

Fall Creek is seeking a qualified Research Coordinator. This position will be located in Lowell, OR. The Research Coordinator is responsible for coordination of the global R&D trial plant production and distribution process that supports rapid, targeted commercialization of superior new blueberry varieties. This role collaborates closely with Breeding and Applied Research Managers; tissue culture labs;
Clean Stock, Foundation Plant, and Planning teams; and regional production, shipping, and logistics teams. The position reports to the R&D Project Manager and collaborates with the Breed and Grow teams internationally.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Other duties may be assigned)

• Coordination of tissue culture plant production for global trialing activities
• Responsible for placing all global R&D tissue culture orders for pre-commercial trial plant production in all regions
• Assures all orders are placed in a timely manner to best support tissue culture lab operations, nursery operations, and variety development needs
• Close monitoring and coordination of real-time tissue culture inventories of pre-commercial breeding selections to meet demand for trialing needs and advancement timelines
• Routine monitoring of action requests and issues regarding tissue culture lab hold limits, timelines, and lab activities such as meristemming, pre-breeding, and initiations
• Coordination of trial plant nursery production for global trialing activities
• Track trial plant production and distribution from all nursery locations in close collaboration with the appropriate regional Breeding Managers, Applied Research Leads, and production associates
• Monitor and assist where needed in management of NPR plants for global trials
• Proactively evaluate and coordinate intra-company plant shipment opportunities to support global trialing efforts
• Coordination of foundation plant establishment, DNA and pathogen testing, tissue culture initiation, and movement of tissue culture between network labs to support short- and long-term plant production needs
• Requires strong awareness of global export requirements and variety development strategic priorities
• Regular communication with global and regional clean stock teams to ensure alignment on inter-departmental strategy
• Regular evaluation of current processes to identify opportunities for improvement in speed, efficiency, and/or risk management
• Responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of reports regarding the status of lab inventories, nursery inventories, stage advancement timelines, shipping timelines and trial site inventories
• Regular reporting of high-level activities related to the above responsibilities to the Breed Department Managers, Product Management team, and Clean Stock teams
• Assists the regional breeding program technicians with supporting operational duties as time allows
• Assures the highest level of confidentiality on sensitive matters concerning the nursery

• Bachelor’s degree in a field with demonstrable relevance to the duties listed; 2+ years’ experience in horticultural research, plant production, or global manufacturing and distribution in any industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Solid knowledge and experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to provide detailed reporting using Excel spreadsheets
• Strong alpha-numeric data entry skills. General database knowledge and experience
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to present and exchange information and report daily activities in person and in reports
• A proactive approach with the ability to communicate on all levels, transmitting information to different audiences and serving distinct purposes
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize work within established guidelines and follow through on a variety of requests
• Ability to identify problems as well as manage multiple projects
• Ability to work with and manage a high level of detailed information
• Ability to collaborate with other team members and maintain a positive attitude. Must be able to exercise good judgment in recognizing scope of authority
• Regular and reliable attendance at the primary place of business
• Ability to work modified hours as needed to support teams across multiple time zones
• Must demonstrate professional and ethical business practices, adherence to company values, and a commitment to personal and professional development

Fall Creek Farm & Nursery® offers a competitive salary and benefit package including health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a 401K plan. Employment offers are contingent on meeting drug testing, background, and reference check standards. EOE