Plant Pathologist

Position SummaryWe are seeking a Plant Pathologist tolead disease monitoring prevention and research initiatives within a controlled environment cultivation system. Reporting to the Senior Manager Plant Science this role will focus on microbial dynamics pest and pathogen management and the development of disease-resistant cultivars in collaboration with cross-functional ResponsibilitiesDisease Monitoring & Microbial AnalysisConduct microbial identification (Micro ID) in flower products to ensure quality and compliance Analyze microbial populations across different cultivation locations and environments Track microbial trends over time during the flowering cycle Partner with QA to develop reporting frameworks for microbial trends and risk factors Integrated Pest Management (IPM)Design implement and optimize IPM strategies Evaluate the effects of IPM practices on disease incidence and crop yield Collaborate with cultivation teams to ensure effective and practical deployment of IPM protocols Plant Health DiagnosticsInvestigate and determine causes of plant stress symptoms including yellowing and reduced vigor Diagnose biotic (pathogens pests) and abiotic (nutrient environmental) factors affecting crop performance Pathogen & Viroid ResearchLead HLVd (Hop Latent Viroid) testing strategy including sampling protocols and best practices Study transmission pathways and spread within cultivation systems Evaluate genetic susceptibility and resistance to HLVd and other pathogens Genetics & Breeding CollaborationWork with biotech and breeding teams to identify and develop pest- and pathogen-resistant cultivars Contribute to research on genetic mechanisms underlying resistance traits Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Cultivation to improve plant health outcomes and implement disease mitigation strategies Work with Quality Assurance (QA) on microbial monitoring data interpretation and reporting Collaborate with Biotech/Breeding teams on long-term resistance strategies Long-Term ObjectivesMaintain low microbial load in flower products Minimize pest and pathogen pressure across cultivation environments Establish data-driven IPM and disease monitoring systems Contribute to the development of improved disease-resistant cultivars QualificationsPhD or MSc in Plant Pathology Plant Biology Microbiology or related field 1-2 years of relevant experience experience may come from field work through graduate schoolExperience with plant disease diagnostics and microbial identification techniques Familiarity with IPM strategies in controlled environments Experience with molecular diagnostics (e.g. PCR-based pathogen/viroid detection) preferred Strong data analysis and cross-functional communication skills