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Agricultural Engineer

Genomines

Genomines

Paris, France
Posted on Sep 29, 2023
Who we are
Genomines is a young biotechnology company based in Paris and Saclay, specialized in sustainable extraction of Nickel from plants. Our Team has already been active for 2 years, focussing mainly on research and development. The mission of Genomines is to usher in a new era of sustainable mining by using genetically enhanced plants to extract metals from soil (Agromining). Through synthetic biology and cutting-edge technology, we harness the power of nature to create bioengineered plants that can extract metals while decontaminating soils and creating cleaner lands for agriculture. Our ultimate goal is to become the world's first carbon-neutral mining group, using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods to extract the precious resources our society needs.
What We're Looking For
Genomines is seeking a highly motivated Agricultural Engineer with experience designing and setting up large-scale agricultural operations. We are looking for a solution-driven, innovative individual with a deep understanding of next-gen agricultural techniques and equipment. The Head of Agriculture will be based in Paris but will often have to travel oversee Genomines' agricultural operations globally.
Role
In the field, the Agricultural Engineer will be responsible for managing the plots. This includes the tasks from planning and executing the necessary work, conducting plantations, and determining the appropriate products to use until the harvest; It is also a high-level buyer and seller. The Agricultural Engineer operates on multiple fronts. As the responsible individual, you will be accountable for the performance and quality of the productions at your site, ensuring optimal conditions for cultivation, growth, and plant preservation.
Responsibilities

Production Management

  • Organize, coordinate, and oversee all areas of the plant production unit, including laboratory, field, and greenhouse cultures
  • Diagnose potential operational anomalies and manage maintenance operations.
  • Establish specifications and coordinate various interventions related to projects while supervising teams
  • Implement systems for data collection and interpretation from multiple trials simultaneously
  • Design scalable field protocols for agricultural operations
  • Set up and monitor small-scale field operations, from plantation to harvest
  • Improve operational efficiency by refining protocols and exploring new technologies and collaborations
  • Design large-scale agricultural plans for Genomines, including process design, identification of infrastructure, personnel, and equipment/machinery required to manage future operations exceeding 10x 2000 hectares in China

Research and Development

  • Perform international field trials working with different plants to optimize agricultural yield
  • Collaborate with local field scientists, regulatory partners and relevant corporates to achieve company goals
  • Set up academic partnerships with leading agricultural universities around the world and conduct joint pilots
  • Propose actions to improve productivity

Administrative and Oversight

  • Ensure the drafting of documents defined in the projects as well as the follow-up
  • Handle the administrative aspects of the operation, such as human resources management, supplier coordination, stock management, etc)
  • Ensure proper management of the operation's materials, including procurement, maintenance, and equipment upkeep
  • Lead procurement efforts linked to agricultural machinery, including identifying suppliers and negotiating large contracts

Educational background

  • Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in agronomy, agricultural sciences (surface/groundwater hydrology, soil science, weed science, agricultural engineering, in a relevant field)
  • Research Engineer degree from Plant Advanced Technologies (PAT)

Essential skills

  • Able to write and communicate fluently in English
  • Able to juggle between various responsibilities
  • Able to anticipate and mitigate unforeseen events and respond quickly to challenges
  • Able to handle strong stress periodsAble to design, implement, and manage large-scale agricultural operations
  • Able to interact, communicate, and present scientific concepts clearly to internal and external stakeholdersHas experience in agricultural science at different scales, from laboratory to semi-industrial
  • Able to write project-specific documents and provide follow-up
  • Able to define technical needs in terms of equipment/processes to achieve objectivesAble to conduct dimensioning and techno-economic studies of production systems
  • Able to conduct equipment maintenance monitoring

Nice to have

  • Experience in managing diverse and international teams
  • Experience in Agromining is a strong plus
  • Experience in crop management
  • Experience in supervising production staff in an agricultural environment (specialized plant productions)
  • Experience in implementation and management of R&D or production trials (USP / DSP) on the pilot platform