Plant Imaging R&D Technician
Description
Upward Farms designs and operates complete ecosystems of plants and fish in vertical farms, supplying these organic products to local grocers. We are currently expanding and have recently opened a new cutting-edge, fully automated facility in Brooklyn. More and larger farms are in the works. Our mission is to heal the broken food system and reconnect eaters with flavorful and nutritious local food.
In this role, you will assist in the design and execution of plant phenotyping experiments and aid in the development of our high throughput plant imaging systems. You will work with the Agriculture and Manufacturing R&D (AMRD) team to conduct applied plant science research to enhance crop health, quality, yield, and production efficiency. Tasks include data collection, documentation, data analysis, and assistance in maintaining R&D equipment and supplies. The R&D team is seeking a well-organized Technician who communicates effectively and is motivated to seek insights from plant phenotyping initiatives to further Upward Farms’ mission.
Success
Your objective is to collect phenotypic data using both imaging and non imaging techniques. You will be collaborating with the Upward Farms scientists and engineers to contribute to the development of our imaging system to track health and growth of our crops and development of new products. Success in this role will mean precise and accurate data collection, careful documentation of experiments, and critical analysis of experiment results. Your firsthand observations may lead to new lines of inquiry and you are encouraged and empowered to bring new research questions to the R&D team. The ultimate responsibilities and contributions of this person will be shaped around the individual we hire and their background. There is tremendous room for growth at our company.
Responsibilities
- Assist in plant imaging experiment ideation, planning, and set up
- Collect plant phenotypic data with a focus on image acquisition
- Organize data summaries
- Execute, monitor, and document experiments
- Comply with on-farm SOPs and HACCP plans as well as all City, State, and Federal regulations (e.g. OSHA, EPA, FDA).
- Assist in a broad range of scientific activities and collaborate across teams.
- Operate and sanitize R&D and farming equipment such as cameras, tripods, tabletop gantries, and seeding and harvesting machines.
- Maintain the highest levels of food safety, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and USDA Certified Organic status.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of experience in a plant science or related industry.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated technical problem solving and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Motivated by and curious about plants and plant science research.
- Demonstrated flexibility and empathy.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
- Currently in the New York City area or willing to relocate.
- Strong, self-determined work ethic.
- Excellent listening, clear and concise oral and written communication.
- Question-driven, curious, open minded.
- Goal oriented, supported by excellent deadline and process management.
- Ability to work in a warm grow-room (75-85°F) for extended periods of time.
- Comfortable working with hand tools, power tools, and automation equipment (training provided as required for your safety and success).
- Be able to lift, carry, push, and pull weights up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to demonstrate safe work practices at all times, including identifying and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), reading and adhering to safety data sheets
Preferred Skills + Experience
- Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Crop Science, Biology, or a related field.
- Experience with plant imaging or remote sensing
- Experience with camera handling and staging
- Experience with image analysis software (e.g.: ImageJ, R, Python).
- Experience in plant pathology sign and symptom detection.
- Familiarity in organic crop production and/or aquaponic production.
Benefits
We offer a dynamic work environment and benefits that include:
- Aetna Medical, Aetna and MetLife Dental, and Aetna Vision insurance; FSA/HSA plans; and HIPAA-compliant health advocates. Upward Farms contributes 80-95% of the premium for Medical benefits for employees and their families.
- Unlimited paid sick time. For extended illness, we offer short term disability.
- Up to 20 days paid time off per year, depending on experience, in addition to paid holidays.
- For new parents, an extension of New York State’s paid family leave for up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave. This leave is in addition to Disability leave available to pregnant and postpartum mothers.
- 401(k)
- Commuter benefits, discounted bike shares, and other perks.
- Fresh salad, and lots of it!
Working Here
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our needs are unique and varied so we value colleagues with diverse backgrounds. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and/or protected veteran status.
Please note we do not provide immigration sponsorship for this position; applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.