About Us:

Valent BioSciences LLC is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. We have more than 60 years of experience bringing biorational products to market, and our products are used in sustainable operations in 95 countries around the world. Biorational products maximize plant quality, productivity, and sustainability.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, Valent BioSciences LLC operates with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, which means to benefit both self and others, recognizing that private and public interests are one and the same. It’s about contributing to society, as well as making a profit.

Description of Job: This role is a strategic leadership role in management, assessment, and expansion of innovative research in Biorational products for agriculture. The leader will direct three managers over three departments leading lab, greenhouse and field research and development for new product development in the areas of Crop Enhancement (Plant Growth Regulators), Crop Protection (Biocontrol) and Biostimulants. The director will provide visionary leadership for the area and ensure the area develops design goals and implements timelines for all research and development projects in a fully coordinated and integrated manner, including input from Marketing, Regulatory, Manufacturing and Project Management Office.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Sets strategic direction for biorational Applied Research & Development programs and initiatives. Develop appropriate plans and ensure effective organizational execution to realize new product launches and product improvements/ expansions in Crop Enhancement, Crop Protection, and Biostimulant business areas. Ensure that R&D activities are in alignment with agreed upon organizational priorities, as identified and justified by Marketing and Business Management and documented and tracked in the R&D Pipeline.

• Provides leadership in the design, coordination, execution, interpretation of lab and greenhouse programs and domestic and international field efficacy and residue experiments and MOA studies.

• Engages in external collaboration discussions and negotiations, together with Business Development, ensuring execution of agreements by Research personnel that formally document VBC’s rights and interests and participating in collaboration joint steering meetings and committees as warranted.

• Manage personnel-related functions, including coaching, counseling, performance management, and personnel development planning.

• Provide administrative leadership for Biorational Biology Research and Development operations at the BRC and in the Field, including budget management, capital project plan, biological and chemical safety,ISO-9001 certification, and compliance.

• Provide a leadership role in coordinating the transfer of Research Proof of Concept (POC) technology packages to the Development organization and/or Sumitomo Chemical Affiliates, including preparation of protocols for field development and regulatory.

• Serves in leadership role on Intellectual Property (IP) Steering Committee; ensures appropriate IP-related matters are managed effectively, including the preparation of patent applications and responses to follow-on office actions in a timely manner.

Experience:

• 10 years of experience and achievement in management of research and development personnel and functions.

• Key skill sets include motivational leadership, excellent written and oral communications, strong project management experience in leading cross-functional teams, strong problem-solving skills, good business skills, strategic planning, budget management, and technical negotiations.

• Working knowledge and experience related to all aspects of research, development, registration and commercialization of biorational products, especially microbial pesticides, biostimulants, natural products and plant growth regulators.

• Clear leadership practices in promoting innovation processes within the Research team.

Education:

• Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Science related fields (e.g. Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Physiology, Plant Pathology, Plant Biology), Biochemistry, Chemistry or Microbiology with 8-10 years of related industry experience.

Travel: 10-15% of time

What We Offer:

You’ll enjoy competitive compensation, consisting of base pay plus an incentive program available to all full-time employees, and a comprehensive benefits package including high-quality healthcare options, 401k matching, life and disability insurance, generous time off (with time off to volunteer) and much more! Additionally, we offer several Flexible Work Arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

We work together to power our sustainable future. Here's what drives us: Valent BioSciences, LLC has a strong commitment to both sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In fact, being a responsible corporate citizen has been ingrained in our culture since the company’s founding. Today, it remains at the forefront of everything we do.

• Valent BioSciences LLC is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

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