Research & Development Scientist I

at  Mission Produce

Mission Produce is the global leader in the worldwide avocado business, with additional offerings in mangos. Since 1983, we have invested in people, state-of-the-art technology, and avocado-specific and ripening infrastructure to expertly serve our customers, growers, and partners in over 25 countries. We own and operate four packing facilities in multiple global locations including California, Mexico, and Peru. Our global distribution network includes 12 forward distribution centers in North America, China, and Europe, which promote company expansion into new territories and categories. Throughout our history, we have remained rooted in honesty, respect, and loyalty to provide a year-round supply of high-quality fruit from field to fork.

JOB SUMMARY

The Research & Development Scientist I will assist in the design, execution, data analysis, and formulation of fact-based solutions for various R&D projects, including, but not limited to, shelf-life extension, instrumentation, and packaging optimization studies. Additionally, the role will involve managing the introduction of developed products and processes, overseeing their approval, and coordinating with operations to ensure successful implementation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Plant Pathology, Agronomy or Horticulture is preferred or 3-5 years of related professional experience
• Solid organizational skills, including multi-tasking and time management.
• The ability to successfully work well independently as well as within a team.
• General knowledge of experimental design, statistics, and data analysis.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Ability to travel regionally and internationally as required.
• Knowledgeable in MS Office (PowerPoint and Excel).
• Previous quality control and/or lab experience preferred.
• Able to work a few hours on weekends if necessary for data collection.
• Previous experience in a role of project coordination is a plus.
• Lean six sigma Green Belt a plus.
• Strong Project Management skills.
• Proven track record on project management.
• Attributes: Integrity, teamwork, sense of urgency.

• Identify opportunities for process improvements, product solutions and technological innovations for avocados/mangos/blueberries, or any other product Mission Produce or its affiliates grows or markets, and their respective packaging, storage, and transportation.
• Understand business demands and operations to proactively collaborate with internal departments
• Design trials, develop evaluation protocols and execute appropriate experimental designs to address research objectives within practical constraints, and carry out protocol testing, and compile/present data internally and externally to diverse audiences.
• Analyze data to draw evidence-based conclusions.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for lab equipment.
• Coordinate and collaborate with R&D teams across the network to ensure standardized evaluation protocols are implemented
• Work with the business development team to collect requirements for trials. Follow the approved process for development, execution and closing a project, with timelines and progress reports.
• Manage multiple project timelines, resources, and responsibilities to execute deliverables
• Verify and validate new products, processes or innovative solutions and collaborate with internal teams through development cycle into production
• Coordinate the project management activities and communication to all stake holders.
• Assign tasks to internal teams or resources and follow up to ensure commitments are met.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
• Provide regular updates of project status to the R&D team.
• Interface with internal/external customers to move projects forward.
• Ensure transparency around unexpected results.
• Ensure understanding of customer value in all R&D projects.