Agricultural Field Scientist

About FYTO

At Fyto, we are partnering with farmers to build a sustainable food system at a global scale. Since launching out of MIT in 2019, we have developed an innovative technology platform that grows ultra-efficient, nutritious aquatic plants to feed people, plants, and animals. Our systems use much less energy, water, land, labor, and fertilizer than conventional approaches. Our team of engineers, scientists, and agri-business professionals are creating solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.

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. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and are subject to a background check. The on site work for this position will be located in Petaluma and the Central Valley (Tulare) and in other locations in the future. Therefore, candidates may be based in the Bay Area, Central Valley or Sacramento area. Travel and housing budget will be mutually agreed upon based on candidate’s location.

What you’ll do:

• Collaborate with our science, operations and engineering teams to optimize yield, nutritional composition, and quality of our aquatic plant crops
• Expand and maintain Fyto’s biological library of aquatic crops and possess a sophisticated understanding of each crop’s requirements and capabilities
• Work with our engineers to develop state-of-the-art tools and sensors for plant analysis and grow environment optimization/maintenance

Requirements

Your required qualifications:

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

Other preferred qualifications:

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

Physical activity requirements:

• Walk across a variety of terrains, including uneven surfaces
• Climb, jump, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch and install equipment
• Stand for extended time periods
• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs but occasionally up to 50lbs
• Work in conditions with varying humidity, sunlight and temperatures (32°– 105° depending on the season)

Benefits

Compensation

• The salary range for this position is $80-110,000. Benefits include medical, dental, vision and a 401K program.

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.

Fyto does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, or Fyto employees. Fyto is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.