Plant Pathologist & Research Scientist

Location: Gainesville, Florida 

Company: GroNatural Inc. / GroPro Agricultural Division 

Employment Type: Full-Time 

 

About GroNatural 

GroNatural is an agricultural technology company focused on developing innovative crop  protection, seed treatment, and biological solutions for modern agriculture. Through advanced  formulation technologies, applied research, and extensive product validation programs, we  develop solutions that support conventional, regenerative, and organic production systems  worldwide. 

We are seeking a highly motivated Plant Pathologist & Research Scientist to support our  expanding research and development programs at our Gainesville, Florida facility. 

This position will play a critical role in supporting laboratory, greenhouse, and applied research  activities focused on plant pathogens, seed treatment technologies, and insect management  solutions. The successful candidate will work closely with the U.S. R&D Lead and Chief Scientist to  generate high-quality scientific data that supports product development, commercialization, and  technical advancement initiatives. 

 

Position Summary 

The Plant Pathologist & Research Scientist will be responsible for supporting the operation of  GroNatural’s laboratory, greenhouse, and ReShape™ research platform located in Gainesville,  Florida. 

This role combines laboratory research, greenhouse trial management, pathogen screening,  efficacy testing, and product evaluation activities. The successful candidate will assist in the  execution of research programs designed by the R&D team while contributing scientific expertise in  plant pathology, disease management, seed treatment evaluation, and insect control  technologies. 

The position requires a hands-on scientist who is comfortable working in both laboratory and  greenhouse environments and who can effectively manage multiple research projects  simultaneously. 

This position reports directly to the U.S. R&D Lead and works under the scientific direction of  the Chief Scientist.

 

Primary Responsibilities: 

Plant Pathology Research Support 

• Conduct laboratory and greenhouse efficacy evaluations against fungal and plant  pathogenic organisms. 
• Isolate, culture, maintain, and propagate plant pathogens for research purposes. • Perform in vitro screening assays and pathogen challenge studies. 
• Assist in the development and execution of disease inoculation protocols. • Develop relationships with university researchers and local experts to support research  objectives and program development. 
• Collect, analyze, and summarize disease efficacy and crop safety data. • Maintain accurate research records and documentation. 

Seed Treatment Research 

• Support seed treatment development and validation programs. 
• Conduct germination, emergence, vigor, and disease suppression evaluations. • Evaluate treatment performance under controlled greenhouse and laboratory conditions. • Assist with protocol development and data generation for new technologies. 

Insect Management Research 

• Conduct efficacy evaluations of insect management technologies. 
• Assist with insect rearing, maintenance, and testing programs as required. • Evaluate treatment performance and document research findings. 
• Support the development of screening methodologies and efficacy protocols. Greenhouse Operations 
• Manage day-to-day greenhouse activities including planting, irrigation, fertility programs,  treatment applications, and data collection. 
• Coordinate potted plant trials across multiple crops and research objectives. • Maintain greenhouse sanitation, environmental controls, and operational standards. • Ensure consistent execution of research protocols and trial integrity. 

ReShape™ Platform Support 

• Assist in the operation and execution of GroNatural’s ReShape™ research programs. • Support screening, validation, and product development activities. 
• Coordinate research timelines and project execution with the broader R&D team. • Generate data to support commercialization and product positioning efforts. 

Laboratory Operations 

• Maintain laboratory equipment, inventories, supplies, and cultures. 
• Follow established SOPs and research protocols.
• Ensure laboratory safety and compliance standards are maintained. 
• Support sample preparation, data collection, and technical reporting activities. 

 

Qualifications 

Required 

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, Agronomy, Horticulture, Entomology, or a  related discipline. 
• Experience with fungal pathogen culturing, inoculation, and disease evaluation. • Experience conducting laboratory and greenhouse research trials. 
• Understanding of experimental design, data collection, and scientific reporting. • Experience applying agricultural products in research environments. 
• Strong organizational and project management skills. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a research team. Preferred 
• Experience with seed treatment research and development. 
• Experience evaluating insect control technologies. 
• Familiarity with biological, botanical, and conventional crop protection products. • Experience supporting product development and commercialization programs. • Knowledge of greenhouse environmental management and controlled-environment  agriculture. 

 

Desired Characteristics 

The ideal candidate will be: 

• Self-motivated and proactive. 
• Detail-oriented with strong scientific integrity. 
• Comfortable managing multiple projects and timelines. 
• Equally effective in laboratory and greenhouse settings. 
• Passionate about applied agricultural research. 
• Capable of working independently while supporting broader team objectives. • Focused on generating practical, high-quality data that supports product advancement and  commercialization. 

 

Reporting Structure 

Reports To:

• U.S. R&D Lead 

Scientific Direction Provided By: 

• Chief Scientist 

The successful candidate will work closely with both leaders to execute research priorities,  support product development initiatives, and contribute to the advancement of GroNatural’s  technology portfolio. 

 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience. 
• Performance-based bonus opportunities. 
• Professional development and career growth opportunities. 
• Direct involvement in cutting-edge agricultural technology development. • Opportunity to contribute to products impacting agriculture on a global scale. 

 

Application Material Submission 

Please send your resume and a short letter of interest in the role to: 

Lindsy Iglesias, PhD at [email protected]

Tagged as: Research