Research Scientist Early Field Testing

Positional Purpose

The role holder will report to team lead and responsible for developing testing protocols for Biological Products with clear technical objectives in field conditions. Responsible for timely and accurate compilation of early development field trials for shortlisted leads from biologicals R&D, including analysis, interpretations, and summary preparation, draw right conclusion and secured documentation. The role holder shall also be responsible for plant phenotyping measuring plant response in the field for lead microbes/ Biomolecules/ products and seed treatment related activities. This position will also be responsible for keeping himself/ herself abreast on all new technological developments/ trends in crop solutions discovery & development.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic

• Support actively the philosophy, values and strategy of PI Industries.
• Contribute efficiently to the overall success of Biologicals R&D by driving innovation according to objectives and targets being set by the management team.
• Support the Team Lead in personnel development, target setting, capability building, and fostering a culture of coaching, feedback, and continuous improvement.

Operational

• Plan & execute field trials in MFT stations & in hotspots for relevant targets (pest and disease control, plant growth promotion, abiotic stress tolerance, NUE, soil health, yield and quality).
• Align with Team Lead and the profiling team to understand the features of the selected candidates and support in designing the protocols accordingly.
• Support in preparing protocols for bio-efficacy, crop safety, yield, quality & integrated crop management for validation.
• Collaborate closely with PI’s MFT team and Product development teams for knowledge sharing as well as optimal coordination of the trial implementation.
• Track observations throughout crop growth during regular field trial visits and share precise tour reports timely.
• Take appropriate corrective measures to adjust plans or ongoing activities (eg. prioritization of trial activities, adaptation of protocol, feedback to institutional partners, budget allocation).
• Develop and implement innovative phenomics technologies in the field to assess plant response to treatments.
• Create protocols, manage trials, analyze and report field results using ARM (Agricultural Research manager) or an equivalent IT tool, ensuring that results are processed promptly.
• Adhere to all safety / information security / quality norms related to research procedures.
• Ensure seamless coordination with the project manager to achieve project goals effectively.
• Participate in lab meetings and present data results clearly using relevant visuals and concise summaries.
• Engage in internal and external forums and professional networks to stay updated and enhance expertise.