Research and Development Director

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  "active_status": "active"
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  "location": {
    "raw": "Ottawa, Ontario, K2A2E2, Canada",
    "city": "Ottawa",
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    "country": "Canada",
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  "salary_max": 120000,
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  "inferred_at": "2026-06-04T11:51:26.695Z",
  "launch_scope": {
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    "countries": [
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  "remote_policy": "remote",
  "salary_period": "year",
  "workplace_type": "remote",
  "salary_currency": "USD"
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      "state": "Ontario"
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    "location": {
      "city": "Ottawa",
      "state": "Ontario",
      "postalCode": "K2A2E2",
      "addressCountry": "Canada"
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    "datePosted": "2026-04-08",
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    "description": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold\"><span><span>Research &amp; Development Director</span></span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Hybrid role based out of Ottawa, ON</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Full Time, </span><span>Fixed Term Contract</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>12 months, beginning mid-</span><span>June,</span><span> 2026</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold\"><span><span>About </span><span>Growcer</span></span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Growcer</span><span> is an innovative ag-tech company specializing in the design and deployment of modular food systems, currently consisting of hydroponic systems, that enable commercial food production in plug-and-play structures.  Its vertical farming technology enables customers to grow fresh vegetables in </span><span>virtually any</span><span> climate, having been deployed within the Arctic Circle below -50°C. </span><span>Growcer</span><span> has empowered conventional farmers, entrepreneurs, </span><span>communities</span><span> and institutions to grow food locally all year round. </span><span>Growcer's</span><span> work has been recognized with awards including Fast Company's World Changing Ideas and the Entrepreneurs' Organization and was featured on Season 13 of CBC's hit show, Dragons' Den.</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Growcer</span><span> is looking for a driven individual with a self-starter attitude as the company enters the next phase of rapid growth and scales globally. Effective </span><span>Growcer</span><span> employees are tenacious, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and are comfortable working on big-picture challenges with lots of autonomy. All positions and work responsibilities tie back to our mission of empowering people to feed the world more sustainably, and applicants who are laser-focused on contributing to the creation of a better food system will find a workplace and team that shares their vision for sustainable agriculture.</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold\"><span><span>About the Role</span></span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Reporting directly to the CEO, as </span><span>Growcer’s</span><span> R&amp;D Director, you will </span><span>be responsible for</span><span> building and executing </span><span>Growcer's</span><span> R&amp;D strategy through:</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Acting as a technical centre for plant science-related due diligence</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Exploration, testing and validation of </span><span>new technologies</span><span> and techniques</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Management of strategic partnerships and execution of technology transfers</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Overseeing </span><span>Growcer's</span><span> research lab</span><span>s</span><span>, existing research projects, as well as expansion into new crops offerings &amp; production systems</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Leading</span><span> and growing </span><span>Growcer’s</span><span> R&amp;D team</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Contributing to the planning and execution of the </span><span>objectives</span><span> </span><span>defined in </span><span>Growcer’s</span><span> strategic plan</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><span> This role is hybrid out of Ottawa, ON, requiring at least 2-3 days in office.</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold\"><span><span>Responsibilities</span></span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Oversight of Horticultural Applied Research</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Lead </span><span>Growcer’s</span><span> Horticulture Research team day-to-day, including providing consistent feedback and oversight of team members on project deliverables; guiding their technical work on an ongoing basis; and informing performance reviews</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Guide </span><span>Growcer’s</span><span> horticultural research strategy, including continuous improvement in the yield and health of leafy green crops in our evolving modular hydroponic farm systems</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Execute on crop &amp; cultivar expansion projects driven by customer insight and market need, including benchmarking initiatives for yield and labour associated with the cultivation of new crops</span></span><span> </span></li>\n<li><span><span>Contribute to the oversight of water quality in our customer network as well as the research farms, and work towards the development of tools and processes to standardize water quality management in </span><span>Growcer</span><span> farms</span></span><span> </span></li>\n<li><span><span>Implement research strategy in the development of new crop or cultivation platforms (e.g. strawberry, greenhouse), including prototype testing and coordination of the expansion to full-scale farm systems</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Translate research outcomes into usable formats used either internally (e.g. financial projections tool) or customer-facing (e.g. standard operating procedures)</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Be accountable for the oversight of several concurrent growing trials in </span><span>Growcer’s</span><span> research facilities, consisting of one full-scale hydroponic farm module, and several smaller walk-in growth chambers. Drive team accountability for deliverables and meeting of all milestones related to applied research projects</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Set &amp; oversee tasks of other individuals cross-functionally who support research work (including expansion of the research facilities, prototyping, engineering, and horticulture technicians conducting laboratory duties)</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Oversee the analysis of agricultural data and preparation of research reports for both internal and external use, including managing and reporting for contracted research projects and tax incentive programs (e.g. SR&amp;ED)</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Ensur</span><span>e</span><span> that team members </span><span>maintain</span><span> clear records of experiments</span><span>, including test</span><span> parameters</span><span>, </span><span>progression</span><span> and their results</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including the Pest Control Products Act, workplace safety regulations, among others</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Technology Transfer and Commercialization</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Work with business managers to plan and execute technology transfers, including evaluating and entering into commercial agreements (licensing, joint venture, consulting engagements, etc.) with reputable technology firms, as appropriate</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>With a focus on </span><span>Growcer’s</span><span> future</span><span> robotics </span><span>and automation </span><span>strateg</span><span>y</span><span>, collaborate with business managers </span><span>on </span><span>objectives</span><span> related to the technical and economic feasibility of robotics implementation in future products</span></span><span> </span></li>\n<li><span><span>Optimize</span><span> R&amp;D investments by </span><span>determining</span><span> when research should be conducted in-house, </span><span>versus outsourcing research or partnering with industry or academic institutions</span></span><span> </span></li>\n<li><span><span>Support ongoing w</span><span>ork with the Product, Customer </span><span>Success</span><span> and Sales &amp; Marketing </span><span>teams</span><span> to refine the commercialization process for new offerings, including farm changes, </span><span>content</span><span> and training material creation prior to launch on the market</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><br></span></p>\n<p><span><span>Other Strategic and Management Duties</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Build relationships and liaise with other subject matter experts, </span><span>leveraging</span><span> peers who will supplement your area(s) of expertise to ensure </span><span>Growcer</span><span> is prepared to support a wide range of grower questions and challenges</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Act as the liaison with researchers, funders, government departments, and business managers on </span><span>Growcer’s</span><span> research plans and results</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Identify</span><span> and contribute to the submission of grant funding proposals for research and broader corporate applications, ensuring </span><span>timely</span><span> reporting on the technical aspects of the deliverables</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Maintain financial oversight and accountability over the Research &amp; Development budget (including corporate credit card, research </span><span>expense</span><span> and grant contribution tracking)</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Success will be measured by Key Performance Indicators that include both soft and hard targets, </span><span>as well as project-based milestones, quarterly and annual priorities</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Participate in regular meetings of the Management Team and work to implement company strategy</span><span> and associated objectives</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Work Environment and Culture</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Help foster a culture within </span><span>Growcer’s</span><span> technical teams of approaching our work with an educator’s mindset, both internally with non-technical </span><span>Growcer</span><span> staff, and externally with new and existing customers</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Support </span><span>Growcer’s</span><span> customer-facing functions</span><span> by providing </span><span>expertise</span><span>, </span><span>counsel</span><span> and data, while </span><span>upholding</span><span> open communication </span><span>surrounding ideas, challenges, and new developments</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Structure and manage the R&amp;D team </span><span>to</span><span> remain nimble and adaptable to our fast-</span><span>paced environment</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Contribute to an overall culture of horticulture </span><span>proficiency</span><span> within the broader </span><span>Growcer</span><span> team</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Work hours </span><span>may be </span><span>irregular and will revolve around the schedule of experiments, including the potential for weekend or extended day shifts. </span><span>Growcer</span><span> is committed to providing employees flexibility with work schedules in return, whenever possible and when there is no conflict with work duties.</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold\"><span><span>Requirements</span></span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Work Experience</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>At least five (5), and ideally ten (10), years of experience in controlled environment agriculture</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Experience </span><span>managing</span><span> diverse technical teams</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Experience planning and executing applied research projects, technology transfers, and/or commercialization strategies</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Knowledge and Education</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Graduate degree in</span><span> biology, agricultur</span><span>e</span><span>, </span><span>agronomy, </span><span>or similar disciplines</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Knowledge of key techniques in hydroponics and components of </span><span>different styles</span><span> of indoor agriculture</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Technical knowledge in the robotics field, including programming, design and simulation is considered an asset</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Work Environment</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Ability to remain nimble and move quickly, understanding that time-to-market is a key consideration in </span><span>this</span><span> environment</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Strong organizational and time management skills. Proven ability to manage several tasks and projects at once in a fast-pace, deadline-driven environment</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Passionate about teamwork and proven experience influencing across a matrix organization</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Must be able to travel </span><span>nationally and </span><span>internationally on an occasional basis</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Valid driver’s license</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Must be able to legally work in Canada</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Skills and Competencies</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Ability to </span><span>plan ahead</span><span>, troubleshoot, and </span><span>anticipate</span><span> problems while also quickly adapting to changing situations</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Ability to lead teams of direct reports and cross-functional project teams</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>A proven self-starter willing to roll up their sleeves and deliver in a flexible &amp; adaptable manner</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Ability to work independently and manage </span><span>your </span><span>own priorities</span><span> w</span><span>ith minimal support</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Highly organized with thorough attention to detail </span><span>while</span><span> ensuring </span><span>timely</span><span> follow-through and closure</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Ability to perform under pressure and effectively handle conflict</span><span> </span><span>resolution situation</span><span>s</span><span> both internally and externally, and work effectively in a team environment</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Values-driven professional</span><span>,</span><span> passionate about the </span><span>advancement of </span><span>food systems to improve people’s lives</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Excellent written and verbal communication skills</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Proficiency</span><span> with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)</span><span> and k</span><span>nowledge </span><span>in the use of AI tools to increase productivity</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Ability to work onsite at either of our two offices for at least 2 day per week, and willingness to be hands on with the rest of the research team in executing on projects</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold\"><span><span>Additional Qualifications Preferred</span></span></span><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Previous</span><span> experience in a startup or small and medium-sized enterprises</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Previous</span><span> experience working within a commercial growing operation or alongside/on behalf of commercial growers.</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Experience in food crop production.</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold\"><span><span>This is a role we are looking to fill in the immediate term for a </span><span>maternity leave</span><span> cover. Interested candidates should </span><span>submit</span><span> a concise cover letter and resume. We look forward to hearing from you!</span></span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold\"><span><span>***********************************************</span></span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><br></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Perks and Benefits</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Expected salary range for this role is $100,000-$120,000 CAD</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Stipend for relocation expenses for a candidate </span><span>relocating</span><span> &gt;100 km from Ottawa</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Healthcare benefits</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>3 weeks paid vacation, plus 5 days of ‘life leave’ per year</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span><span>Flexible work hours and working remote when needed</span></span><span> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><span>Interested candidates should </span><span>submit</span><span> a concise cover letter and résumé to the BambooHR posting. We look forward to meeting you!</span></span><span> </span></p>\n<p><span><br></span></p>",
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