Research & Development Associate

Research & Development Associate

Little Leaf Farms

Manchester, TN • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Little Leaf Farms is on a mission to transform the way food is grown. As an R&D Associate you will be a critical member of the team who will oversee and conduct projects and trials with the goals of portfolio diversification and process optimization. You will work not only with the R&D team, but also a global network of leading horticulture companies to drive innovation for the company and stay on the cutting edge of CEA technology.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Initial training period on growing and greenhouse procedures including but not limited to climate control strategy, fertilizer management, and biocontrol programs
  • Oversight of trials including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and reporting
  • Help to create R&D Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Stay up to date on current CEA literature with an understanding of how the information could be beneficial to the company
  • Collaboration with other departments

Requirements
Required Education, Experience, and Skills
  • Basic plant science knowledge
  • Basic statistics
  • Microsoft Office - Proficient with Excel
  • Time management and ability to work independently
  • Strong attention to detail, ability to learn quickly, adaptability, problem solving mentality, high level of critical thinking
  • 1 year experience greenhouse work
  • Passion for CEA and future of the industry
  • Ability to work in a hot and humid greenhouse environment for multiple hours a day

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
  • Bachelor's Degree in Science (ex. Plant Science, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Bioengineering)
  • Basic knowledge of computer language and syntax (ex. R, python)
  • Research experience

Salary Description
$60K-$70K commensurate with experience, plus bonus



Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Research Associate?

A: To succeed as a Research Associate, key technical skills include proficiency in data analysis and statistical software (e.g., R, Python, or SPSS), as well as expertise in relevant research methodologies and domain-specific knowledge (e.g., biology, chemistry, or physics). Soft skills such as strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities are also crucial, enabling Research Associates to effectively work with cross-functional teams, interpret complex data, and present findings to stakeholders. By combining these technical and soft skills, Research Associates can drive meaningful research outcomes and lay the foundation for future career advancement in academia, industry, or government.

Q: What is the career path for a Research Associate?

A: A Research Associate typically starts as an entry-level role, conducting experiments, collecting data, and assisting senior researchers in laboratories or research institutions. As they gain experience, they can progress to mid-level roles such as Research Scientist or Senior Research Associate, where they take on more responsibility for designing experiments, analyzing data, and publishing research findings. Ultimately, senior roles like Principal Research Scientist or Research Manager may be attainable, where they lead research teams, develop research strategies, and secure funding for projects, with opportunities to transition into academia, industry leadership, or related fields like science policy or consulting.



Little Leaf Farms job posting for a Research & Development Associate in Manchester, TN with a salary of $60,000 to $70,000 Annually with a map of Manchester location.