Research & Development Director
Hybrid role based out of Ottawa, ON
Full Time, Fixed Term Contract
12 months, beginning mid-June, 2026
About Growcer
Growcer 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 virtually any climate, having been deployed within the Arctic Circle below -50°C. Growcer has empowered conventional farmers, entrepreneurs, communities and institutions to grow food locally all year round. Growcer's 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.
Growcer 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 Growcer 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.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, as Growcer’s R&D Director, you will be responsible for building and executing Growcer's R&D strategy through:
- Acting as a technical centre for plant science-related due diligence
- Exploration, testing and validation of new technologies and techniques
- Management of strategic partnerships and execution of technology transfers
- Overseeing Growcer's research labs, existing research projects, as well as expansion into new crops offerings & production systems
- Leading and growing Growcer’s R&D team
- Contributing to the planning and execution of the objectives defined in Growcer’s strategic plan
This role is hybrid out of Ottawa, ON, requiring at least 2-3 days in office.
Responsibilities
Oversight of Horticultural Applied Research
- Lead Growcer’s 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
- Guide Growcer’s horticultural 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 in Growcer farms
- 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 in Growcer’s 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
- 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)
- Ensure that team members maintain clear records of experiments, including test parameters, progression and 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 on Growcer’s future robotics and automation strategy, collaborate with business managers on objectives related to the technical and economic feasibility of robotics implementation in future products
- Optimize R&D investments by determining when research should be conducted in-house, versus outsourcing research or partnering with industry or academic institutions
- Support ongoing work with the Product, Customer Success and Sales & Marketing teams to refine the commercialization process for new offerings, including farm changes, content and training material creation prior to launch on the market
Other Strategic and Management Duties
- Build relationships and liaise with other subject matter experts, leveraging peers who will supplement your area(s) of expertise to ensure Growcer is prepared to support a wide range of grower questions and challenges
- Act as the liaison with researchers, funders, government departments, and business managers on Growcer’s research plans and results
- Identify and contribute to the submission of grant funding proposals for research and broader corporate applications, ensuring timely reporting on the technical aspects of the deliverables
- Maintain financial oversight and accountability over the Research & Development budget (including corporate credit card, research expense and 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 strategy and associated objectives
Work Environment and Culture
- Help foster a culture within Growcer’s technical teams of approaching our work with an educator’s mindset, both internally with non-technical Growcer staff, and externally with new and existing customers
- Support Growcer’s customer-facing functions by providing expertise, counsel and data, while upholding open communication surrounding ideas, challenges, and new developments
- Structure and manage the R&D team to remain nimble and adaptable to our fast-paced environment
- Contribute to an overall culture of horticulture proficiency within the broader Growcer team
Work hours may be irregular and will revolve around the schedule of experiments, including the potential for weekend or extended day shifts. Growcer is 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
- Experience managing diverse technical teams
- Experience planning and executing applied research projects, technology transfers, and/or commercialization strategies
Knowledge and Education
- Graduate degree in biology, agriculture, agronomy, or similar disciplines
- Knowledge of key techniques in hydroponics and components of different styles of 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 in this environment
- 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 travel nationally and internationally on an occasional basis
- Must be able to legally work in Canada
Skills and Competencies
- Ability to plan ahead, troubleshoot, and anticipate problems 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 manage your own priorities with minimal support
- Highly organized with thorough attention to detail while ensuring timely follow-through and closure
- Ability to perform under pressure and effectively handle conflict resolution situations both internally and externally, and work effectively in a team environment
- Values-driven professional, passionate about the advancement of food systems to improve people’s lives
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and knowledge in 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
- Previous experience in a startup or small and medium-sized enterprises
- Previous experience 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 a maternity leave cover. Interested candidates should submit a concise cover letter and resume. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Perks and Benefits
- Expected salary range for this role is $100,000-$120,000 CAD
- Stipend for relocation expenses for a candidate relocating >100 km from Ottawa
- 3 weeks paid vacation, plus 5 days of ‘life leave’ per year
- Flexible work hours and working remote when needed
Interested candidates should submit a concise cover letter and résumé to the BambooHR posting. We look forward to meeting you!
