Soil Chemistry Manager
San Francisco Bay Area /
Soil Science /
Full-time
/ On-site
Pattern Ag is an agricultural technology company leveraging advances in genomics, data science, and microbiology to help farmers improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of their land. By applying genomic analysis to farm soil, we unlock a wide range of predictive insights that help farmers improve their soil health and optimize their spend on seed, crop protection, and fertility inputs. Combining these insights with the latest in digital sensing, data science, and machine learning, we are ushering in the era of predictive agriculture, powering on-farm decision making for millions of acres, and billions in crop spend.
Our team is seeking an experienced soil chemistry scientist who also seeks to develop new extraction methods for soil nutrients. This is an excellent position in biotechnology for those who would like to work in a fast-paced startup in sustainable agriculture. This position is instrumental in helping farmers understand the fertility levels of their field and generating data to develop machine learning models of soil fertility. The position will work across disciplines with our Discovery, Genomics, and Data Science teams.
Responsibilities
- Improve internal methodologies to increase throughput while maintaining high quality of soil nutrient analysis
- Evaluate and internalize relevant published nutrient extraction protocols
- Maintain and troubleshoot analytical and preparative equipment by working independently and collaboratively with equipment vendors
- Work collaboratively with other team members to improve the efficiency of nutrient analysis
- Assist in the design and expansion of soil lab space for processing samples
- Maintain stock of glassware, consumables, and lab equipment
Required Skills
- M.S. with 3+ years of relevant experience or Ph.D. in soil science, chemistry, analytical chemistry, or a similar discipline
- Experience with analytical soil testing including, but not limited to, soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and other plant-essential micronutrients
- Experience with different analytical determination techniques – expertise in ICP-OES and FIA is highly desirable
- Understanding of the seasonal impact of various nutrients on growers
- Ability to oversee and manage linkage between daily activities and achievement of seasonal objectives
- Align with stakeholders to develop and test novel soil nutrient analysis protocols
Compensation + Benefits
- $105,000/yr - $145,000/yr
- Comprehensive health plans (100% employee coverage, 50% dependents)
- Company equity
- Hybrid work environment
- 401k
- Mental health stipend
- Unlimited PTO, with a corporate standard of at least 3 weeks off per year
- 11 paid holidays + paid sick time off
- Family & parental leave
Thank you for considering Pattern Ag. We look forward to reviewing your application!
