Research Scientist

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

Founded by global technology pioneer, Larry Ellison and esteemed physician and author, Dr. David Agus, Sensei Ag is a market-changing AgTech company on a journey to improve human nutrition. Our greenhouse farms align technology with the environment to protect and preserve natural resources, while optimizing how we grow food. Merging agriculture and innovation to achieve sustainable farming practices allows us to grow high-quality, delicious produce year-round.

JOB LOCATION

This is a HYBRID position requiring on-site work in Northern and Southern California (California residents encouraged to apply), and other US sites.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Up to 50% of the time. Travel as needed to support group objectives (domestic and international); including regular travel to Northern and Southern California, including other US locations to conduct benchwork.  

COMPENSATION

$100,000 - $140,000 / year, Exempt, with a discretionary bonus of up to 10%.

BENEFITS WE OFFER

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
• Prescription Drug Benefits, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Employee Wellness
• HSA/FSA
• Basic Life and AD&D & Short and Long-Term Disability
• Paid-Time Off and Travel Assistance Program
• 401K

NOTE: Residents of Hawaii, receive a Comprehensive Healthcare Bundle different from US Mainland plans/programs.

WHY IS THIS POSITION OPEN?

We are looking for a Research Scientist with the right skill set to join our R&D team and help us achieve our research and development goals.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT CULTURE LIKE?

We are a curious and cooperative team with diverse experiences in various areas. Together, we address significant challenges to innovate and explore. We frequently gather in person for brainstorming and planning sessions to find new opportunities that support Sensei's mission.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of enhancing human health through indoor farming. You will have the opportunity to conduct research in many fields and team up with specialists to drive new and creative findings.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Sensei Ag is seeking a Research Scientist with a strong background in plant biology or related field, with experimental design and data analysis experience to join our dynamic and collaborative R&D team. In this role, the Research Scientist will lead and contribute to the design and execution of research projects spanning areas such as plant science, product development, and nutrition. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in maintaining high experimental standards and ensuring scientific rigor throughout all stages of research. Additionally, this position will involve training and mentoring research associates, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the team. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Design and execute experiments across various research areas.
• Train and mentor Experimental Research Associates.
• Provide technical expertise in experimental design, benchwork protocols, and statistical analysis.
• Develop, optimize and document standard operating procedures for benchwork.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of methods and results.
• Stay current with scientific literature and implement relevant techniques.
• Collaborate with leadership to align research efforts with Sensei's mission to improve human nutrition.
• Contribute to setting quarterly/annual scientific goals for R&D.
• Communicate key findings to R&D and Sensei leadership.

SKILLS and EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED

• Minimum of 3 years of industry experience (post-grad) or PhD in plant biology, nutrition, or agriculture.
• Graduate degree in plant biology, horticulture, biochemistry, microbiology or a related field. PhD, preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and conduct rigorous experiments and interpret results in wet and dry lab settings.
• Experience in training and mentoring team members with various levels of research experience.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a track record of preparing reports and sharing research findings.
• Strong ability to diagnose and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and protocols.
• Adaptability to new technologies and laboratory methods.
• Experience in statistics, analyzing, visualizing, and interpreting data in Python, MATLAB, R, or similar.
• Desired familiarity and experience with various molecular biology and biochemical techniques including but not limited to sample collection/preparation, sample extraction (DNA/RNA/protein), sample quantification, PCR/RT-PCR, next generation sequencing, and HPLC.

Bonus points if you have...

• Experience applying scientific pursuits to address business needs.  
• Experience with nutritional content of vegetables, leafy greens or fruits is strongly preferred.   
• Experience in other controlled environment crops is desired.  

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US

Sensei Ag is expanding and seeking highly skilled individuals to be part of our team. Experience a dynamic and collaborative work culture  as we revolutionize health and the future of food. We are looking for individuals who are intelligent, yet humble, dedicated and genuine, with grit and lots of it! Become a part of our team today!

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.