[Hiring] Research Scientist - Professional & Emerging Market Innovation @Sun Gro Horticulture

Role Description

The Research Scientist – Professional & Emerging Markets Innovation leads research and product development initiatives supporting professional horticulture and controlled environment agriculture markets, including ornamental, food, and cannabis production systems. This role focuses on development, validation, and commercialization support of innovative growing media and engineered substrate technologies for professional growers. The position collaborates cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Grower Specialists, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and R&D teams to develop scalable, performance-driven growing media solutions while supporting grower trials, technical evaluations, and university collaborations.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Horticulture, Soil Science, Plant Science, Controlled Environment Agriculture, or related field preferred.
• Experience in growing media, substrate science, greenhouse production, or controlled environment agriculture systems preferred.
• Experience conducting laboratory, greenhouse, and field research trials.
• Familiarity with professional horticulture, ornamental, food, or cannabis production systems preferred.
• Experience with technical product development and commercialization support preferred.
• Strong technical problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Requirements

• Knowledge of growing media components, substrate performance, and horticultural production systems.
• Ability to design, conduct, and analyze scientific research trials using sound experimental and statistical methods.
• Ability to develop innovative growing media solutions and solve technical challenges.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with internal teams, growers, university researchers, and industry partners.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and support emerging market opportunities.
• Ensure products, materials, and technologies are reviewed with company safety, quality, and regulatory teams prior to commercialization.

Benefits

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Ability to properly lift materials.
• Work safely around powered equipment and at research facilities.

Work Environment

• A combination of office/computer work and working at plants and research facilities.
• Ability to work outdoors and at research facilities.
• Travel requirement: Up to 70% travel as needed.