About AppHarvest:
AppHarvest is building large-scale high-tech greenhouses in Central Appalachia with a goal to make Eastern Kentucky the AgTech capital of America. Our mission is backed by ValueAct Capital Founder and CEO Jeffrey W. Ubben and Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, led by AOL Co-founder Steve Case and best-selling author J.D. Vance.
About Role:
As the AppHarvest Director of Research and Development, you will lead research efforts toward establishing an AgTech hub for knowledge and enterprise in modern agriculture.
What You’ll Do:
- Plans, develops, implements, and manages AppHarvest’s research and development program in coordination with local academic institutions.
- Assists in the planning and development of Research and Development Facilities.
- Stays up-to-date on cutting-edge developments in the fields of agricultural and horticulture and pursues R&D opportunities for promising new developments.
- Investigates and tests new technologies in controlled-environment agriculture, making recommendations for application to commercial facilities.
- Oversees planning, development, and implementation of new programs and protocols to advance the field of Controlled-Environment Agriculture.
- Develops and implements research and development procedures and techniques for horticulture and modern farming techniques.
- Serves as principal investigator for complex research projects focussed on Controlled-Environment Agriculture growing techniques with focus on efficiency, plant health, and maximizing commercial-scale production.
- Designs, conducts, and oversees research projects and ensuring research objectives are met and completed within project timeline and budget.
- Leads information transfer from partners at international universities.
- Oversees research projects and provides guidance to researchers as necessary.
- Submits research findings for publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presents findings at academic conferences as appropriate.
- Serves as an instructor for a limited number of college-level horticulture and controlled-environment agriculture courses at a local partner academic institution.
Key Competencies:
- Strong Vision and Focus.
- Detail-oriented.
- Creativity.
- Leadership.
- Financial Management.
- Strategic Thinking.
- Communications Proficiency.
- Decision Making.
- Results-driven.
Qualifications:
- Terminal degree required from a regionally accredited institution in Horticulture, Agriculture, or closely related field.
- Demonstrated experience supervising and leading.
- Experience leading or collaborating on a research team or publishing research findings.
- Ability to communicate and develop relationships/partnerships within an organization and surrounding community.
- Desire and ability to teach college-level courses.
- Advanced knowledge in Controlled-Environment Agriculture.
- Ability to foster excellence and innovation.
- A history of demonstrating strong character and outstanding integrity.
Our Core Values:
- Grit and Tenacity. You embrace challenges with courage and resolve. Your strength of character and work ethic define you.
- Passion and Dedication to Sustainability. You constantly strive for excellence as you drive positive environmental change in the agriculture industry and seek to improve lives in the community.
- Proactive and Entrepreneurial. You embody a “we can figure it out” mentality and challenge any notion that “this can’t be done.” You’re not afraid to tackle big problems through rapid experimentation to create long-term impact.
- Radical Transparency and Trust. You operate openly and honestly, taking full responsibility for your actions.
- Collaborative and Inspiring Leadership. You seek opportunities to strengthen team culture and work more effectively. You constantly challenge and inspire your fellow team members.
Position Type:
Full Time.
Travel:
Occasional local day travel may be necessary, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) match
AppHarvest is an equal opportunity employer.