Research and Development Director

Research & Development DirectorHybrid role based out of Ottawa, ONFull Time, Fixed Term Contract – 12 months, beginning mid-June 2026About GrowcerGrowcer 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 RoleReporting 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 diligenceExploration, testing and validation of new technologies and techniquesManagement of strategic partnerships and execution of technology transfersOverseeing Growcer's research labs, existing research projects, as well as expansion into new crop offerings & production systemsLeading and growing Growcer's R&D teamContributing to the planning and execution of the objectives defined in Growcer's strategic planThis role is hybrid out of Ottawa, ON, requiring at least 2–3 days in office.ResponsibilitiesOversight of Horticultural Applied ResearchLead 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 reviewsGuide Growcer's horticultural research strategy, including continuous improvement in the yield and health of leafy green crops in our evolving modular hydroponic farm systemsExecute 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 cropsContribute 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 standardise water quality management in Growcer farmsImplement 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 systemsTranslate 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 projectsSet & 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 programmes (e.g. SR&ED)Ensure that team members maintain clear records of experiments, including test parameters, progression and their resultsEnsure compliance with applicable regulations, including the Pest Control Products Act, workplace safety regulations, among othersTechnology Transfer and CommercialisationWork 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 appropriateCollaborate with business managers on objectives related to the technical and economic feasibility of robotics implementation in future productsOptimize R&D investments by determining when research should be conducted in-house versus outsourcing research or partnering with industry or academic institutionsSupport ongoing work with the Product, Customer Success and Sales & Marketing teams to refine the commercialisation process for new offerings, including farm changes, content and training material creation prior to launch on the marketOther Strategic and Management DutiesBuild 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 challengesAct as the liaison with researchers, funders, government departments, and business managers on Growcer's research plans and resultsIdentify and contribute to the submission of grant funding proposals for research and broader corporate applications, ensuring timely reporting on the technical aspects of the deliverablesMaintain 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 prioritiesParticipate in regular meetings of the Management Team and work to implement company strategy and associated objectivesWork Environment and CultureHelp 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 customersSupport Growcer's customer-facing functions by providing expertise, counsel and data, while upholding open communication surrounding ideas, challenges, and new developmentsStructure and manage the R&D team to remain nimble and adaptable to our fast-paced environmentContribute to an overall culture of horticulture proficiency within the broader Growcer teamWork 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.RequirementsWork ExperienceAt least five (5), and ideally ten (10), years of experience in controlled environment agricultureExperience managing diverse technical teamsExperience planning and executing applied research projects, technology transfers, and/or commercialisation strategiesKnowledge and EducationGraduate degree in biology, agriculture, agronomy, or similar disciplinesKnowledge of key techniques in hydroponics and components of different styles of indoor agricultureTechnical knowledge in the robotics field, including programming, design and simulation is considered an assetWork EnvironmentAbility to remain nimble and move quickly, understanding that time-to-market is a key consideration in this environmentStrong organisational and time-management skills. Proven ability to manage several tasks and projects at once in a fast-pace, deadline-driven environmentPassionate about teamwork and proven experience influencing across a matrix organisationMust be able to travel nationally and internationally on an occasional basisValid driver's licenceMust be able to legally work in CanadaSkills and CompetenciesAbility to plan ahead, troubleshoot and anticipate problems while also quickly adapting to changing situationsAbility to lead teams of direct reports and cross-functional project teamsA proven self-starter willing to roll-up their sleeves and deliver in a flexible & adaptable mannerAbility to work independently and manage your own priorities with minimal supportHighly organised with thorough attention to detail while ensuring timely follow-through and closureAbility to perform under pressure and effectively handle conflict resolution situations both internally and externally, and work effectively in a team environmentValues-driven professional, passionate about the advancement of food systems to improve people's livesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsProficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and knowledge in the use of AI tools to increase productivityAbility to work onsite at either of our two offices for at least 2 days per week, and willingness to be hands-on with the rest of the research team in executing on projectsAdditional Qualifications PreferredPrevious experience in a startup or small and medium-sized enterprisesPrevious experience working within a commercial growing operation or alongside/on behalf of commercial growersExperience in food crop productionPerks and BenefitsExpected salary range for this role is $100,000–$120,000 CADStipend for relocation expenses for a candidate relocating >100 km from OttawaHealthcare benefits3 weeks paid vacation, plus 5 days of life leave per yearFlexible work hours and working remote when neededJ-18808-Ljbffr