Research and Development Director

Research & Development Director

Hybrid role based out of Ottawa, ON

Full Time,Fixed Term Contract

12 months, beginning mid-June,2026

AboutGrowcer

Growceris 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 invirtually anyclimate, having been deployed within the Arctic Circle below -50C.Growcerhas empowered conventional farmers, entrepreneurs,communitiesand institutions to grow food locally all year round.Growcer'swork 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.

Growceris looking for a driven individual with a self-starter attitude as the company enters the next phase of rapid growth and scales globally. EffectiveGrowceremployees 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.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, asGrowcersR&D Director, you willbe responsible forbuilding and executingGrowcer'sR&D strategy through:

• Acting as a technical centre for plant science-related due diligence

• Exploration, testing and validation ofnew technologiesand techniques

• Management of strategic partnerships and execution of technology transfers

• OverseeingGrowcer'sresearch labs, existing research projects, as well as expansion into new crops offerings & production systems

• Leadingand growingGrowcersR&D team

• Contributing to the planning and execution of theobjectivesdefined inGrowcersstrategic plan

This role is hybrid out of Ottawa, ON, requiring at least 2-3 days in office.

Responsibilities

Oversight of Horticultural Applied Research

• LeadGrowcersHorticulture 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

• GuideGrowcershorticultural research strategy, including continuous improvement in the yield and health of leafy green crops in our evolving modular hydroponic farm systems

• Execute on crop & cultivar expansion projects driven by customer insight and market need, including benchmarking initiatives for yield and labour associated with the cultivation of new crops
• 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 inGrowcerfarms
• 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

• Translate research outcomes into usable formats used either internally (e.g. financial projections tool) or customer-facing (e.g. standard operating procedures)

• Be accountable for the oversight of several concurrent growing trials inGrowcersresearch 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

• Set & 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)

• 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&ED)

• Ensurethat team membersmaintainclear records of experiments, including testparameters,progressionand their results

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including the Pest Control Products Act, workplace safety regulations, among others

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

• 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

• With a focus onGrowcersfutureroboticsand automationstrategy, collaborate with business managersonobjectivesrelated to the technical and economic feasibility of robotics implementation in future products
• OptimizeR&D investments bydeterminingwhen research should be conducted in-house,versus outsourcing research or partnering with industry or academic institutions
• Support ongoing work with the Product, CustomerSuccessand Sales & Marketingteamsto refine the commercialization process for new offerings, including farm changes,contentand training material creation prior to launch on the market

Other Strategic and Management Duties

• Build relationships and liaise with other subject matter experts,leveragingpeers who will supplement your area(s) of expertise to ensureGrowceris prepared to support a wide range of grower questions and challenges

• Act as the liaison with researchers, funders, government departments, and business managers onGrowcersresearch plans and results

• Identifyand contribute to the submission of grant funding proposals for research and broader corporate applications, ensuringtimelyreporting on the technical aspects of the deliverables

• Maintain financial oversight and accountability over the Research & Development budget (including corporate credit card, researchexpenseand grant contribution tracking)

• Success will be measured by Key Performance Indicators that include both soft and hard targets,as well as project-based milestones, quarterly and annual priorities

• Participate in regular meetings of the Management Team and work to implement company strategyand associated objectives

Work Environment and Culture

• Help foster a culture withinGrowcerstechnical teams of approaching our work with an educators mindset, both internally with non-technicalGrowcerstaff, and externally with new and existing customers

• SupportGrowcerscustomer-facing functionsby providingexpertise,counseland data, whileupholdingopen communicationsurrounding ideas, challenges, and new developments

• Structure and manage the R&D teamtoremain nimble and adaptable to our fast-paced environment

• Contribute to an overall culture of horticultureproficiencywithin the broaderGrowcerteam

Work hoursmay beirregular and will revolve around the schedule of experiments, including the potential for weekend or extended day shifts.Growceris committed to providing employees flexibility with work schedules in return, whenever possible and when there is no conflict with work duties.

Requirements

Work Experience

• At least five (5), and ideally ten (10), years of experience in controlled environment agriculture

• Experiencemanagingdiverse technical teams

• Experience planning and executing applied research projects, technology transfers, and/or commercialization strategies

Knowledge and Education

• Graduate degree inbiology, agriculture,agronomy,or similar disciplines

• Knowledge of key techniques in hydroponics and components ofdifferent stylesof indoor agriculture

• Technical knowledge in the robotics field, including programming, design and simulation is considered an asset

Work Environment

• Ability to remain nimble and move quickly, understanding that time-to-market is a key consideration inthisenvironment

• Strong organizational and time management skills. Proven ability to manage several tasks and projects at once in a fast-pace, deadline-driven environment

• Passionate about teamwork and proven experience influencing across a matrix organization

• Must be able to travelnationally andinternationally on an occasional basis

• Valid drivers license

• Must be able to legally work in Canada

Skills and Competencies

• Ability toplan ahead, troubleshoot, andanticipateproblems while also quickly adapting to changing situations

• Ability to lead teams of direct reports and cross-functional project teams

• A proven self-starter willing to roll up their sleeves and deliver in a flexible & adaptable manner

• Ability to work independently and manageyourown prioritieswith minimal support

• Highly organized with thorough attention to detailwhileensuringtimelyfollow-through and closure

• Ability to perform under pressure and effectively handle conflictresolution situationsboth internally and externally, and work effectively in a team environment

• Values-driven professional,passionate about theadvancement offood systems to improve peoples lives

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiencywith MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)and knowledgein the use of AI tools to increase productivity

• 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

Additional Qualifications Preferred

• Previousexperience in a startup or small and medium-sized enterprises

• Previousexperience working within a commercial growing operation or alongside/on behalf of commercial growers.

• Experience in food crop production.

This is a role we are looking to fill in the immediate term for amaternity leavecover. Interested candidates shouldsubmita concise cover letter and resume. We look forward to hearing from you!

Perks and Benefits

• Expected salary range for this role is $100,000-$120,000 CAD

• Stipend for relocation expenses for a candidaterelocating>100 km from Ottawa

• Healthcare benefits

• 3 weeks paid vacation, plus 5 days of life leave per year

• Flexible work hours and working remote when needed

Interested candidates shouldsubmita concise cover letter and rsum to the BambooHR posting. We look forward to meeting you!