Senior Scientist / Agronomist

How you will contribute:

We are seeking a passionate and mission-driven Senior Agronomist with deep experience in executing crop optimization programs at scale. In this role, you will be instrumental in driving productivity and consistency across our commercial lemna cultivation system in Texas. You will lead the development and execution of field-scale agronomic strategies—including trial design, environmental monitoring, nutrient programs, and harvest timing—working shoulder-to-shoulder with engineers, operators, and data teams to ensure that physiological insights are translated into stable, scalable SOPs.

This job can be local or based at our Texas hub. Plantible’s commercial production facility in Eldorado, Texas, is approximately 3 to 4 hours of travel from the hub (i.e. Austin), and regular travel is required. You will guide infrastructure requirements from an agronomic lens, troubleshoot system-level variability, and lead cross-functional investigations to resolve root causes of biomass fluctuations. Your oversight will also include validating sensor-driven feedback loops, defining agronomic KPIs, and supporting technology transfer into daily operations.

This is a rare opportunity to not only own the crop strategy for a pioneering aquatic plant platform, but to embed agronomy into the very backbone of how we design and run our commercial production systems—laying the groundwork for future facility replication at scale.

What you will be working on:

• Develop and implement physiology-guided programs to optimize lemna productivity across seasons and locations.
• Lead day-to-day agronomic oversight in Texas, including setting up field trials and validating growing SOPs.
• Design protocols to evaluate environmental sensor accuracy, placement, and efficacy.
• Collaborate closely with ops and engineering teams to ensure consistent growing conditions and rapid troubleshooting.
• Analyze and report data from greenhouse and field operations; define cultivation KPIs and recommend optimizations.
• Train team members in data collection protocols and quality standards.

What you bring to Plantible:

• Advanced degree (PhD) in Plant Physiology, Plant Nutrition, Plant Biochemistry or related field.
• 7-10+ years of industrial research experience in crop improvement programs
• Extensive knowledge of crop and plant physiology, experimental design principles and experience conducting field trials.
• Strong knowledge of nutrient formulations and their influence on crop physiology, biochemistry and productivity.
• Experience working in a collaborative and cross-disciplinary team of Scientists and Engineers to optimize growing conditions, systems and processes for plant production.
• Experience growing vegetables in hydroponic systems (leafy or other green vegetables is preferred) is strongly preferred.
• Experience growing plants, algae, or cyanobacteria In raceway ponds or bioreactors is preferred.
• Data-driven and advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Prior management and project/team lead experience.
• Well-organized with an ability to work quickly and manage competing priorities.
• Track record of delivery within scientific research.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex scientific concepts to cross-functional team.

Choose Plantible Foods

Joining Plantible means contributing to a sustainable future for all. We are a venture backed startup that is both spreading happiness amongst our employees and to current and future generations. We believe diversity creates uniqueness. Our team is composed of highly talented people with different interests and hobbies, which makes for a rich working environment.

At Plantible we are continually working on our offerings to foster the best team. Check it out!

• Competitive health and wellness benefits
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Discretionary Unlimited PTO Program
• Paid Holidays
• 401k Program
• Career Stipend
• Career development and growth opportunities
• Working in a rapidly growing, flexible and entrepreneurial environment
• Team building and company-wide events
• Financial support with your relocation, if necessary, ensuring a smooth transition
• And of course, lots of beautiful land for outdoor activities!

Plantible Foods is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Plantible Foods reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time. 

If you feel your skill set does not meet all listed qualifications for the role, we still encourage you to apply. As we continue to grow our company, we are seeking a range of candidates and would gladly consider you for other current or upcoming roles that may be a fit!