Senior Agronomist

About Pairwise:

Pairwise is a mission driven AgriFoodTech company pioneering the application of CRISPR technology in food and agriculture. Founded in 2017 by leading scientists in the gene editing and biotechnology fields, Pairwise holds licenses from Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital to base editing and high-fidelity enzymes – in addition to our own proprietary, company-developed suite of novel tools.

Anchored by our Fulcrum™ platform and deep technical and agronomic expertise in more than 60 crops, we’re accelerating innovation in plant genetics, food and agricultural products, supply chains, and production systems. Our expert team delivers commercially viable products that benefit the planet, consumers, growers, and our business partners.

After successfully delivering 27 novel traits to Bayer’s pipeline during our first collaboration for corn, soy, wheat, and canola, our second collaboration currently underway is focused on developing climate-friendly short-stature corn – with more partnerships on the horizon. Our consumer-facing pipeline includes seedless blackberries and pitless cherries.

Named one of America’s Top GreenTech Companies, Pairwise is based in the start-up friendly Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina.

About This Role:

Please note: Since the role will be required to be in the field, candidates must be based in Central Coast California.

Pairwise is set to launch several berry varieties with compelling benefits for both consumers and growers over the next few years. The Senior Agronomist will lead and manage the development of an agronomy support system for R&D, grower trials and eventual commercial production. They will serve as a guide through the commercial launch process, leading the development and extension of best growing practices to enable rapid grower adoption of our Pairwise berry cultivars. This position will report to the Director of Crop Technical Development and work closely with internal stakeholders (R&D, Commercial, Business Development, Quality, Regulatory) and external stakeholders (growers, contract nursery organizations, nursery operators) to drive success.

This position will spend significant time in the field working with research supervisors of research and commercial caneberry growers across North and Latin America. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in agronomy, particularly in pest management, fertility practices, and disease control. They should be motivated to take initiative in a dynamic environment that values both independence and collaboration. 

This role will work closely with cross-functional teams, offering a collaborative environment where learning, mentorship, and teamwork are key to success. The position also provides opportunities for professional development and growth in advanced agronomy and leadership skills.

Essential Functions: 

· Lead the design and execution of agronomic trials that will enable a seamless transition from early trials through to commercial launches of new cultivars.

· Lead the development and implementation of best management practices for emerging new berry cultivars in order to drive grower adoption while maximizing product quality

· Establish and execute a commercial grower support strategy for post-commercial launch agronomy programs.

· Regularly visit production fields, contract research organizations, commercial growers and nursery partners to evaluate and advise on agronomic practices

· Develop methodology for disciplined approach to agronomic recommendations to R&D and commercial growers, including visit reports and follow up action steps.

· Ability to adapt communication style and influence agronomic practices across diverse audiences

· Document and update best management practice documents.

· Utilize a network of internal and external resources to approach agronomic challenges through critical thinking.

· Design, organize, and lead grower trainings and field tours to educate on best management practices across different growing environments.

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales and marketing, to promote new berry cultivars and berry products and innovations.

· Support field and greenhouse research trials with data collection and entry into centralized databases, training of local operators and visits/visit reports as needed.

· Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in berry cultivation

· Plan and schedule site visits based on project needs, with overnight travel expected between 20-50% of the time within the continental US and internationally. Flexibility will be based on the candidate’s location and project demands.

Education & Experience:

· BS in agronomy, horticulture, plant sciences or similar degree with relevant experience (typically 10 years). An MSc with relevant experience (typically 7 years). Highly motivated individuals with 5 years experience also encouraged to apply.

· Strong foundation in pest and disease management and irrigation/fertility principles, with significant experience in these areas preferred

· Experience with both substrate and soil-based production systems preferred

· English and Spanish proficiency required (fluency preferred).

Offerings:

· Comprehensive Benefits Plan, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA/FSA, 401k, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, and more!

· Flexible PTO (use what you need, when you need it), in addition to company holidays.

· Casual work environment.

· Mission-driven organization focused on creating healthier fruits and veggies.

· A cutting-edge, driven community looking to lead the industry in innovation and nutrition.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel, and techniques that require fine motor skills and repetitive motions. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

EEO Statement:

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Pairwise we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

No Recruiters please.