Sr. Research Scientist

Florida Crystals is a leading domestic sugar producer and North America’s first fully integrated cane sugar company, guiding our sugar from farm to table.  We are America’s first and only producer of certified organic sugar, grown and harvested in the United States. Our renewable energy facility is the largest of its kind in North America and provides clean energy that powers our sugar operations, which helps us reduce our use of fossil fuels.  Florida Crystals also sustainably farms rice, sweet corn and other vegetables in rotation with our sugarcane.  Our rice mill is the only rice mill in Florida. 

 

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Principal Scientist of Research & Development, the Sr. Research Scientist will support agricultural research in soil and crop management applying principles of agronomy, soil science and agricultural engineering. The research will focus on improving productivity and efficiency of our agricultural operations focusing on advancements in soil health, regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and overall crop management practices. This person will also support research trials design and execution based on commercial needs as well as analyze research results and make recommendations for operations.

 

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Soil and Crop Management research program to increase productivity, optimize costs and drive sustainability in our operations.
• Evaluate, analyze, and propose new research projects in the areas of precision crop management as related to crop nutrition and crop enhancement.
• Conduct research and define opportunities to improve our regenerative agriculture practices while increasing sugarcane productivity.
• Design research protocols, execute field experiments, and oversee ongoing and new research trials based on operation needs.
• Support on elaborating project proposals, budgets, and resource needs.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for research/testing/operations protocols.
• Supervise and assist in the planning and execution of sugarcane field and greenhouse experiments. This will include coordinating work between technicians, farm personnel, outside collaborators, and supervision of labor.
• Collect, save, organize, and summarize field data electronically for efficient retrieval, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare scientific quality reports, make farmer level publications, and public oral presentations.
• Maintain communication with all internal departments and outside collaborators.
• Provide technical support, training and problem solving to Agricultural Operations.
• Comply with and enforce Florida Crystals Corporation’s Environmental Health and Safety Policy (EHS), must understand, and adhere to all policies and procedures.

 

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Agricultural Skills – Solid working knowledge of agricultural practices, field scouting, soil and tissue sampling and lab analysis, experimental design, field data collection, and use of fields tools. An understanding of field plot/strip trial technique, including field layout and sampling methods is essential.
• Research – Demonstrate research experience through education, employment, or personal experiences on agricultural research, soil health and water conservation, sustainable agriculture, precision agriculture, carbon sequestration and farming, agricultural equipment/machinery, and other hands-on experience.

• Data Analysis – Data-driven, problem solver, intense curiosity, and desire to go beneath the surface of the analysis. Proficiency in statistical analysis, data mining, data reporting, relational databases, and ability in visualizing and communicating research results to support data-driven decisions.
• Analytical Skills – Ability to analyze information, identify underlying principles, reasons or facts of information and make deductions based on information. Ability to track and report data, as needed. Ability for associative thinking, curiosity, and creativity.
• Teamwork – Create a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others. Maintain effective working relationships with team members, management, and outside collaborators.
• Organization – Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to multi-task and deliver on accountabilities to resolve any outstanding issues.
• Computer Proficiency – Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, PowerBi), statistical analysis, GIS and mapping.
• Communication – Excellent written and verbal communication skills, appropriately communicates at all levels of the organization