Plant Pathologist

Job summary

The Plant Pathologist will lead disease monitoring, prevention, and research initiatives to ensure plant health and quality within a controlled cultivation environment. This includes managing microbial dynamics, implementing IPM strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams on disease-resistant cultivar development.

Job details

Plant Pathologist Position Summary We are seeking a Plant Pathologist to lead 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 teams. Key Responsibilities Disease Monitoring & Microbial Analysis Conduct 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 Diagnostics Investigate 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 Research Lead 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 Collaboration Work 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 Collaboration Partner 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 Objectives Maintain 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 Qualifications PhD 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 school Experience 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

What you’ll do

The Plant Pathologist will lead disease monitoring, prevention, and research initiatives to ensure plant health and quality within a controlled cultivation environment. This includes managing microbial dynamics, implementing IPM strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams on disease-resistant cultivar development.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a PhD or MSc in Plant Pathology, Plant Biology, Microbiology, or a related field. The role requires 1-2 years of relevant experience, including proficiency in plant disease diagnostics, microbial identification, and molecular techniques like PCR.

Listed skills

• Quality assurance · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Plant Pathology
• Microbial Identification
• Integrated Pest Management
• Molecular Diagnostics
• PCR
• Disease Monitoring
• Plant Health Diagnostics
• Data Analysis
• Cross-functional Communication
• Viroid Research
• Cultivation Systems
• Quality Assurance
• Genetics
• Breeding
• Microbiology
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Data Interpretation
• Microbe identification
• Plant Science
• Research
• Biotechnology
• Biology
• Management
• Communication
• Health Risk Assessments
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Safety Assurance

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Plant Pathologist
• Soil / Plant Scientist
• Environmental Protection Professionals
• Soil and Plant Scientists