Research & Development Assistant (Agriculture)

Role Summary

The R&D and Innovation Specialist will be a key driver in optimizing and advancing our hydroponic indoor vertical farming system. This role involves designing, executing, and analysing experiments focused on improving crop yield, quality, weight, resistance to pests and infections, resource efficiency (water, energy, nutrients), and farm automation/technology integration. This role is a hands-on scientist or engineer with a passion for sustainable agriculture and cutting-edge technology.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Experimentation

• Design and Execute Trials: Plan, set up, and manage controlled experiments (DOEs) in the vertical farm to optimize crop recipes (lighting, nutrient solution, climate, CO2, air flow).
• Crop Science: Investigate the effects of various environmental parameters on plant physiology, growth rate, nutritional content, and post-harvest shelf life for specific crops (e.g., leafy greens, herbs, specialty produce).
• Nutrient Optimization: Research and develop proprietary nutrient formulas for maximum growth and quality, including analysis of water quality, nutrient uptake, and waste minimization.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Research and test innovative, non-chemical biological and environmental controls for pest and disease management within the controlled environment.

Technology & Innovation

• System Optimization: Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to test and implement new technologies, including advanced LED light spectrums, sensor technologies (IoT), and climate control systems (HVAC).
• Automation: Evaluate and prototype solutions for increased farm automation, such as automated seeding, transplanting, harvesting, and phenotyping systems.
• Data Analysis: Utilize farm management software and data analytics tools to interpret experimental results, develop predictive models, and translate findings into actionable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Growing Systems Exploration: Explore, evaluate, and test new and alternative growing systems (e.g., aeroponics, deep water culture variants, or substrate-based systems) to assess their potential for increased yield, water/nutrient efficiency, and reduction in operational costs.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Reporting: Maintain rigorous documentation of all R&D activities, data collection, and results, presenting clear summaries and recommendations to management.
• SOP Development: Formalize successful research findings into scalable, repeatable Standard Operating Procedures for the farm operations team.
• Auditing and Measurement Tools Development: Develop and maintain audits, checklists, and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) measurement systems for growers and farmers. This is essential to gauge the consistency and accuracy of actual implementation against R&D-proven protocols, ensuring expected results and yields are achieved at scale.
• Cross-functional Support: Work closely with the Operations, Engineering, and Business Development teams to ensure R&D projects align with commercial viability and production goals.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: [2-5]+ years of experience in a research or R&D role, preferably within Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), hydroponics, or vertical farming.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of plant physiology and nutrient management in hydroponic systems (e.g., NFT, DWC, Aeroponics).
• Proficiency in experimental design (DOE) and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with environmental control systems (HVAC, lighting, CO2 injection) used in CEA.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: RM1, RM2,300.00 per month

Benefits:

• Professional development

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Damansara: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• How long will be your notice period in days?
• How much is your current salary?
• How much will be your expected salary?

Education:

• STM/STPM (Required)

Experience:

• Research: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person