Driscoll's
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Flavor Trait Discovery Scientist
role at
Driscoll's .
Experience Years: 3-5 Years
Employee Type: Regular
Remote Type: Onsite
Location: US - Watsonville, California
Job Family: Research & Development
Time Type: Full time
Job Requisition ID: R0008188
About The Opportunity The Flavor Trait Discovery Scientist will lead and develop a small team to implement new and existing metabolomics technologies across all berry crops, generating fruit quality phenotypes in collaboration with plant breeding, molecular genetics, sensory, and post-harvest teams. Collected data will fuel molecular marker development, genomic prediction models, and variety advancement decisions. The Scientist will use in-depth knowledge of best practices for fruit quality testing in fresh fruits using analytical instrumentation to support the development of a rolling strategic roadmap of science activities for metabolomics. Primary duties include working independently to continuously improve workflows, implementing process‑improvement best practices, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment to drive successful project outcomes, communicating progress regularly to project stakeholders through meetings and written reports, ensuring equipment receives regular maintenance to support efficient lab activities, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The Scientist will execute project goals and timelines involving cross‑functional teams and stay current with techniques and data solutions that aid Driscoll’s in accomplishing its mission. This is an exciting research opportunity to explore the phenotypic diversity of traits in the development of superior Driscoll's berry varieties.
Responsibilities
Lead flavor chemistry and plant metabolomics discovery and validation studies.
Lead and supervise daily operation, maintenance, and quality control of Flavor Trait Discovery platforms and workstreams.
Interpret and report on chromatography and mass spectrometry data using metabolomics and cheminformatics approaches.
Develop, perform, and optimize metabolite extraction and analytical chemistry workflows in berries.
Stay current with emerging technologies in metabolomics to evaluate and integrate new tools that enhance throughput or resolution.
Demonstrate consistent project leadership by fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, communicating progress through meetings and reports.
Lead and supervise regular updates and maintenance of lab databases to reflect accurate inventory and data collection workstreams.
Perform data analysis, data reporting, and communicate findings through written, oral reports, and presentations.
Support the Breeding Technology Lead in developing a rolling strategic roadmap of science activities.
Develop and deploy an annual tactical plan and capacity map of science activities.
Recruit and manage technical staff to ensure robust learning and career development consistent with the Company’s values.
Keep a stocked, clean, and orderly laboratory to promote safety and productivity.
Keep up‑to‑date digital lab notebooks and contribute to SOPs.
Continually develop professional network, leadership, and technical skills through attendance of breeding summits, conferences, symposia, and workshops.
Lead lab tours as needed.
Domestic and international travel required as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
Candidate Profile
Ph.D. degree in flavor chemistry, plant biochemistry, molecular genetics, plant science, plant breeding, or a similar discipline.
4‑6 years’ experience in Research and Development, with 3‑5 years in flavor chemistry, plant metabolomics, and chemoinformatics, and 1‑2 years in plant molecular genetics.
Prior academic or research laboratory experience.
2+ years of people management experience.
Experience operating and maintaining lab instrumentation such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.
Demonstrated ability to develop and modify plant metabolomic workflows, including sample preparation, metabolite extraction, instrument methods, and data analysis.
Experience with statistical data analysis software (e.g., JMP, R, SAS).
Ability to work with a dynamic and diverse team of researchers and scientists.
Be able to work in both a research lab and outdoor field environment.
Be reliable, honest, and trustworthy, with advanced communication skills.
Intermediate experience using spreadsheet application.
Advanced experience supporting analytical workflows including sample preparation, instrument operation, and maintenance.
Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of plant biosynthetic pathways and genetic mechanisms is desired.
Experience in the operation and maintenance of automated liquid handling robotics and associated workflows.
Hands‑on experience with other analytical instrumentation such as FTIR, NIR, DESI, HRAM MS, etc.
Hands‑on experience with various biological sample preparations and metabolite extractions.
Proficient in coding (e.g., Python, R).
Driver’s license and ability to be covered under company‑sponsored vehicle insurance program.
A valid passport and ability to travel internationally without restrictions.
Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $80,000.00/year to $121,000.00/year.
Driscoll’s offers an attractive benefits package that varies by location, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, disability coverage (for positions working more than 30 hours per week in the US), 401(k) with employer match, profit‑sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Detailed information about the benefits package based on geographic location will be shared during the application process.
About Driscolls Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers worldwide, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness guide our mission to delight consumers around the world.
Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm‑to‑table, we focus on delivering a high‑quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
Food and Beverage Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Flavor Trait Discovery Scientist
role at
Driscoll's .
Experience Years: 3-5 Years
Employee Type: Regular
Remote Type: Onsite
Location: US - Watsonville, California
Job Family: Research & Development
Time Type: Full time
Job Requisition ID: R0008188
About The Opportunity The Flavor Trait Discovery Scientist will lead and develop a small team to implement new and existing metabolomics technologies across all berry crops, generating fruit quality phenotypes in collaboration with plant breeding, molecular genetics, sensory, and post-harvest teams. Collected data will fuel molecular marker development, genomic prediction models, and variety advancement decisions. The Scientist will use in-depth knowledge of best practices for fruit quality testing in fresh fruits using analytical instrumentation to support the development of a rolling strategic roadmap of science activities for metabolomics. Primary duties include working independently to continuously improve workflows, implementing process‑improvement best practices, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment to drive successful project outcomes, communicating progress regularly to project stakeholders through meetings and written reports, ensuring equipment receives regular maintenance to support efficient lab activities, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The Scientist will execute project goals and timelines involving cross‑functional teams and stay current with techniques and data solutions that aid Driscoll’s in accomplishing its mission. This is an exciting research opportunity to explore the phenotypic diversity of traits in the development of superior Driscoll's berry varieties.
Responsibilities
Lead flavor chemistry and plant metabolomics discovery and validation studies.
Lead and supervise daily operation, maintenance, and quality control of Flavor Trait Discovery platforms and workstreams.
Interpret and report on chromatography and mass spectrometry data using metabolomics and cheminformatics approaches.
Develop, perform, and optimize metabolite extraction and analytical chemistry workflows in berries.
Stay current with emerging technologies in metabolomics to evaluate and integrate new tools that enhance throughput or resolution.
Demonstrate consistent project leadership by fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, communicating progress through meetings and reports.
Lead and supervise regular updates and maintenance of lab databases to reflect accurate inventory and data collection workstreams.
Perform data analysis, data reporting, and communicate findings through written, oral reports, and presentations.
Support the Breeding Technology Lead in developing a rolling strategic roadmap of science activities.
Develop and deploy an annual tactical plan and capacity map of science activities.
Recruit and manage technical staff to ensure robust learning and career development consistent with the Company’s values.
Keep a stocked, clean, and orderly laboratory to promote safety and productivity.
Keep up‑to‑date digital lab notebooks and contribute to SOPs.
Continually develop professional network, leadership, and technical skills through attendance of breeding summits, conferences, symposia, and workshops.
Lead lab tours as needed.
Domestic and international travel required as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
Candidate Profile
Ph.D. degree in flavor chemistry, plant biochemistry, molecular genetics, plant science, plant breeding, or a similar discipline.
4‑6 years’ experience in Research and Development, with 3‑5 years in flavor chemistry, plant metabolomics, and chemoinformatics, and 1‑2 years in plant molecular genetics.
Prior academic or research laboratory experience.
2+ years of people management experience.
Experience operating and maintaining lab instrumentation such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.
Demonstrated ability to develop and modify plant metabolomic workflows, including sample preparation, metabolite extraction, instrument methods, and data analysis.
Experience with statistical data analysis software (e.g., JMP, R, SAS).
Ability to work with a dynamic and diverse team of researchers and scientists.
Be able to work in both a research lab and outdoor field environment.
Be reliable, honest, and trustworthy, with advanced communication skills.
Intermediate experience using spreadsheet application.
Advanced experience supporting analytical workflows including sample preparation, instrument operation, and maintenance.
Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of plant biosynthetic pathways and genetic mechanisms is desired.
Experience in the operation and maintenance of automated liquid handling robotics and associated workflows.
Hands‑on experience with other analytical instrumentation such as FTIR, NIR, DESI, HRAM MS, etc.
Hands‑on experience with various biological sample preparations and metabolite extractions.
Proficient in coding (e.g., Python, R).
Driver’s license and ability to be covered under company‑sponsored vehicle insurance program.
A valid passport and ability to travel internationally without restrictions.
Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $80,000.00/year to $121,000.00/year.
Driscoll’s offers an attractive benefits package that varies by location, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, disability coverage (for positions working more than 30 hours per week in the US), 401(k) with employer match, profit‑sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Detailed information about the benefits package based on geographic location will be shared during the application process.
About Driscolls Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers worldwide, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness guide our mission to delight consumers around the world.
Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm‑to‑table, we focus on delivering a high‑quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
Food and Beverage Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr