EMEA Research Agronomist and Technical Field Support

Who we are

The growing demand for healthy, safe and sustainable food has increasingly imposed restrictions on agricultural practices. Therefore, improving food production efficiency in a sustainable way, while safeguarding the environment and its natural resources, is essential.

We at Biotalys have the ambition to transform food protection, shaping the future of sustainable and safe food supply. We are a rapidly growing and transformative food and crop protection company developing a new generation of protein-based biocontrol solutions.

Based on our ground-breaking technology platform, we have developed a broad pipeline of effective and safe products with novel modes of action, addressing key crop pests and diseases across the whole value chain, from soil to plate. Our products combine the high-performance characteristics of chemicals with the clean safety profile of biologicals, making them ideal crop protection agents for both pre- and post-harvest applications.

Our headquarters are located in the vibrant biotech cluster in Ghent, Belgium, and our US subsidiary is based in Durham, North Carolina. More information can be found on www.biotalys.com.

To strengthen our valuable team of dedicated employees, Biotalys is looking for an EMEA Research Agronomist and Technical Field Support.

Scope of your job

To strengthen our team, Biotalys is looking for a Field Product Development Research Agronomist. He/she will play an integral role in helping the broader Field Product Development Team implement its annual field trial campaign to validate R&D efficacy findings of protein-based biocontrol solutions, characterize their technical attributes, and quantify the value they provide to the grower. He/she will report to the Global Field Product Development Manager.

Key activities include supporting and/or leading:

• Develop protocols for field testing of Biotalys protein-based biocontrol solutions, in support of early to late-stage product development, IPM control programs, commercial positioning and building regulatory efficacy data packages aligned with regional and zonal requirements

• Commission field trials through CROs or in collaboration with prescribers and distributors for efficacy testing

• In-field product performance evaluations across the season with CROs, prescribers, distributors and business relations

• Quality control of efficacy data submitted by CROs, distributors and prescribers

• Efficacy data exploratory analysis for preliminary hypothesis testing in advance of meta-analysis

• Develop and/or maintain ARM validation lists, Study Rules and S.E. (Standard Evaluation) definitions

• Liaise with colleagues in late-stage discovery and early-stage development to support the transition from in vitro to on planta and in field product performance assessment and development

• Interpret field trial findings to create sales and marketing collateral (technical marketing messaging) for the benefit of the distributors/retailers and growers

• Organize on-farm grower demonstrations in support of the Biotalys commercial team

• Train distributors on the use and positioning of Biotalys technology and products

• Present Biotalys’ technology and product performance at professional conferences to elevate awareness of Biotalys biocontrols

• Build support and/or endorsement from key influencers (grower leaders and cooperatives, crop consultants, prescribers, universities, food companies) for Biotalys protein-based biocontrol solutions

What we are looking for

• Holds a BS or MSc in Biology, Crop/Fruit Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy or related discipline; with at least 5 years of replicated field trial experience

• A keen ability to complement the in vitro to in vivo to micro plot transition with field trialing for product development and product positioning

• Previous experience in on-farm product support training activities and/or implementing grower experience demonstrations is very desirable

• Has a working knowledge of specialty crop production and/or pest management, particularly in fruits and vegetables (grapes, strawberries…) in open field and/or greenhouse

• Previous experience in working with biological-based crop inputs and/or crop protection products

• Collaborates effectively across organizational and functional boundaries (matrix organization), works efficiently remotely and complements internal expertise

• Previous experience with ARM is a strong advantage

• Capability to speak and interact with customers (R&D partners, distributors, growers, prescribers...)

• Located in or proximity to one of the key crop regions in the EU, able to travel up to 50% of the time during peak activity seasons, such as harvest

• A good listener, who communicates clearly and concisely and reports in an excellent way  (fluent in English, written and spoken).

• Positive attitude, solid work ethic and self-motivated individual

What we offer

Teamwork, innovation, passion, well-being and accountability are the Biotalys’ values that guide our business and that we prize when we recruit new talent and reward our employees. We strive to create an exciting and dynamic working environment in which you will be challenged to take initiative, contributing to the success of the company. You will work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team of top innovators in the AgFood Biotech industry who will support you to further develop and grow your personal skills. You will be rewarded with a competitive salary and benefits package.

Interested?

Are you ready to set new grounds and new standards? Please apply via our career site www.biotalys.com and add your CV and motivation letter to your application