What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postharvest Research Associate position at Sensei Ag?
About Sensei Ag
Sensei Ag is a market-changing AgTech company aiming to solve global gaps and inconsistencies in nutrition, food safety, and food security through the transformative power of data. Guided by the capabilities and insights of our founders, technology entrepreneur Larry Ellison and Dr. David Agus, we design, develop and deploy cutting-edge agricultural technologies to build a better, more stable food supply that is capable of feeding our entire world nutritionally-relevant, delicious, affordable meals.
Everything we do is evidence-led, radically transparent, always enriching.
Learn more from our website or by following us on LinkedIn. If you'd like to see what we are doing with our consumer-facing brand Sensei Farms, please check our Instagram!
Position Description
Assist the sensory and consumer lead in sensory, consumer and analytical trials on fruits and vegetables. Position will contribute to research planning, execution, data analysis and visualization. Working under the guidance of the Sensory Lead, he or she enjoys working independently and contributing ideas to improve research. Assist other research associates and technicians in R&D trials and work in greenhouse on a need basis.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the execution of sensory and consumer tests under the direction of the project lead.
- Prepare samples and supplies for sensory and consumer testing.
- Perform analytical sampling and testing on produce.
- Analyze data and information to create insights for projects.
- Travel with project lead to U.S. or Canada locations for on-site sensory and analytical testing.
- Assist with all growing activities as appropriate including seeding, transplanting, irrigating, pruning, pest control, pollinating and harvesting.
- Ensure proper hygiene and safety protocols are always followed.
Required Skills, Abilities and Qualifications
- Food lab experience.
- Analyze food products, using analytical methods and/or sensory evaluation.
- Strong mathematical aptitude
- Fluent in software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, and Outlook.
- Advanced Excel skills (formulas, statistical analysis, etc.)
- Proficient typing skill.
- Ability to safely lift up to 25 lbs.
- Eager to learn, be resourceful and adapt.
- Excited by helping to build the foundation necessary in a start-up company.
- Brings an entrepreneurial mindset to the team, is a transformational thinker.
- Excellent communication skills both written and spoken.
Preferred Skills, Abilities and Qualifications
- Experience in postharvest quality testing of fruits and vegetables.
- Experience in data analysis and visualization.
Travel
- Ability to travel in the U.S. and Canada up to 15% of the time.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry, agriculture, food science or a related discipline.
Traits We Value
- Appreciation for transforming health and the future of food
- Smart, not arrogant
- Humble and hardworking
- Entrepreneurial, not risk averse
- Kind and genuine
- Grit and lots of it
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401k and FSA plans
- Cell phone bill reimbursement
- Flexible PTO and paid holidays
As a condition of employment with Sensei Ag, we require all US-based employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The only exception would be if a valid medical or sincerely held religious belief accommodation is approved.