Weed Scientist

Here at Scotts Miracle-Gro there is no such thing as a typical day. Our culture is constantly energized by new and exciting growth opportunities and at a rapid pace. Below are details on an open job. If the role interests you and you would like to be considered we encourage you to apply!

The Weed Scientist  will work to design & support a diverse portfolio of lawn & landscape products for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. This person will be pivotal in defining and developing  products and practices for the homeowner.  Associates are expected to participate in our business segment as a hands-on researcher so that they may develop keen insights that contribute to the commercialization of novel products. Additionally, the Scientist will have broad experience in turfgrass cultural practices such as irrigation, establishment, nutrition, mowing, maintenance and pest control. The Scientist should have a working knowledge of temperature/humidity/dormancy/seasonal effects on both cool and warm season turfgrasses and be familiar with turfgrass industry standards.  Ability to relate research and turfgrass management experience into both product development and consumer communications. It is vital that the incumbent possess practical skills in experimental design and analysis, report writing, and regulatory frameworks. Exceptional time management and organizational skills are desired. A strong scientific curiosity, excellent communication skills, initiative and independence are also essential characteristics. The scientist will also mine technologies and match them to both articulated and unarticulated consumer needs to drive the homeowner Lawn Care category.  This position reports directly to the R&D Product Development Manager. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Leads, plans and implements field and greenhouse biological research, including trial setup & initiation, data collection, data analysis, and preparation of reports to be used to support product claims for regulatory agencies. 

• Collaborate closely with colleagues in R&D, marketing, regulatory, sourcing, and manufacturing to ensure alignment on project goals, effective use of resources and explore innovation possibilities. 

• Provide technical assistance to R&D, marketing, regulatory, sourcing, quality, and manufacturing when appropriate. Contribute to the Product Development Team to raise overall team contributions and performance. 

• Interacts with industry and university collaborators to understand and mine new technologies, new biological research methods, and consumer trends and communicate this information to category leads and sales/ tech service.

• Develops and follows R&D Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Communicates scientific concepts and research to senior leadership (including Directors, GM’s VP’s, COO, CEO and Board Members); demonstrates outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

• Critical in support of state and EPA registration dossiers, potential partnership or acquisitions, competitive analysis and cost-out initiatives.

Requirements:  

• Ph.D. in Weed Science is preferred or a related field (agronomy, soil science, etc) is required. 

• Experience in a related field, such as sports/commercial turf, golf turfgrass maintenance, or academic research/extension program. 

• Demonstrated ability to design and lead research programs to answer specific questions and/or solve problems and experience in conducting biological research to commercialize turf products or technologies.

• Possess a broad awareness of consumer lawn and garden products and practices; hands-on experience is desirable. 

• Strong aptitude for weed science/turfgrass management, chemistry, conversions and mathematics.

• Experience performing Statistical Analysis using ARM, MiniTab, JMP or similar software programs. 

• A high degree of original thinking and intellectual curiosity is required. The scientist must design research protocols that address key questions and hypotheses for a combination of variables as Scotts Miracle-Gro attempts to optimize the complete solution for homeowners across all product categories.

• Willingness to function as part of a hands-on scientific team and mentor/develop other team members (biology technicians/interns).

Here at ScottsMiracle-Gro, we believe providing an enriching and engaging employee experience is what sets us apart from other organizations. We recognize our employees are so much more than just their job title so we offer programs and benefits that support them in all aspects of their lives. Wondering how we do it? Below is a glimpse of our highlight reel…

• Our Live Total Health program provides you with options to align to your personal needs.  Selections range from medical, dental and vision coverage for you, your spouse/domestic partner and dependents to an outstanding wellness reimbursement program to an unbelievable 401K match (up to 7.5%) as well as a 15% discount on company stock and much more

• We know our talent is our most precious asset and your unique development contributes to our organization’s success now and in the future.  Career growth at our company is not always a ladder.  It’s much more like a rock climbing adventure.  Grow through exploration and experiences rather than a predictable linear path.

• We value the importance of family. We provide access to Maven Family Planning and up to $30,000 to accommodate for adoption, fertility and surrogacy.

• Be part of something bigger by joining one of our Employee Resource Groups focusing on diversity and inclusion, family, education and sustainability: Scotts Women’s Network, Scotts Black Employees’ Network, Scotts Veterans Network, Scotts Young Professionals, Scotts Pride Network (GroPride), Scotts Associates for a Greener Earth (SAGE), Scotts Family TREE and our Associate Boards.

• Join a company with a strong belief in giving back to the communities where we live and work.  We have a shared passion for service and volunteerism and believe participating in community service benefits our communities and strengthens our team. 

Not interested in this role? Stay up to date on future opportunities by joining our ScottsMiracle-Gro and Hawthorne Gardening talent communities.

Scotts is an EEO Employer, dedicated to a culturally diverse, drug free workplace.

EEO/AA Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Notification to Agencies:

Please note that the Scotts Miracle-Gro company does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement, and specific approval to submit resumes to an approved requisition, the Scotts Miracle-Gro company will not consider or approve payment regarding recruiter fees or referral compensations.