Research Associate - Benson Hill

About Benson Hill
Benson Hill empowers innovators to develop more healthy, tasty and sustainable food by unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants. Benson Hill's CropOS™ platform combines machine learning and big data with breeding techniques and plant biology to drastically accelerate and simplify the product development process. This platform allows for cost-effective and more efficient ways for companies to analyze and make improvements in plant genetics. Benson Hill brings a unique and holistic approach to our product and platform development, as we span a broader workflow involving trait and seed development, genome editing, and breeding all the way to creating better ingredients and varieties that tap a strong consumer demand for more flavorful and nutritious fruits and vegetables. More information can be found online at www.bensonhill.com. Follow us on Twitter at @BensonHillInc.

Our Purpose and Core Values

Our Core Values are a set of common principles we share that are fundamental to our company's identity.

• Be Bold!  We redefine boundaries by providing new solutions to difficult problems. Together we are driven to transform the future and will not allow the fear of failure to prevent us from innovating. We voice our opinions, embrace change, and challenge each other to think creatively.
• Be Inspired! We redefine boundaries by providing new solutions to difficult problems. Together we are driven to transform the future and will not allow the fear of failure to prevent us from innovating. We voice our opinions, embrace change, and challenge each other to think creatively.
• Be Real! We understand who we are, what we want to achieve, and what it takes to get there. We hold each other accountable through timely, candid, and well-intentioned feedback. Together we engage in honest communication and healthy debate that leads to success through true alignment.

Department Overview

The Centralized Seed Handling (CSH) warehouse is where innovation and precision meet to ensure the highest quality and efficiency in seed processing and storage. As a leading facility in the agricultural industry, we take immense pride in providing comprehensive seed handling solutions to internal and external growers alike.  At our warehouse, we understand the critical role that seeds play in the growth of crops and the overall success of farming endeavors. From cleaning, sorting, and grading to packaging and storage, each step is carefully orchestrated to maintain seed integrity and viability.  Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to upholding the strictest quality standards and adhering to industry best practices. With years of experience and a profound understanding of seed characteristics, we ensure that each batch of seeds is meticulously handled, minimizing any potential risks, and maximizing phenotypical data.

Position Summary

We are actively seeking a Research Associate to join our Centralized Seed Operations team.  Work will consist of coordinating and executing general R&D seed processing tasks, operating small scale seed equipment, assisting with inventory management, field layout, material movement, and maintaining inventory data in our corporate database. Candidate will work with cross functional groups that include field, greenhouse, lab, and warehouse environments.

You Will:

• Support all seed handling processes inclusive of printing, seed processing, seed treatment, phenotyping, seed packaging and inventory management, seed data management, NIR scanning, seed cleaning, counting and packaging, sorting and field layout, shipping and receiving.
• Maintain and update SOPs for all seed-related activities
• Oversee daily work of contract workers assisting with seed-related activities
• Update and utilize relevant proprietary databases for all seed-related activities
• Flexibility to work extended or alternative hours in peak seasons
• Approach challenges with process improvement mindset  

Education

• 4-year undergraduate degree majoring in a scientific-related field
• Preferably education in Agriculture

Experience

• 1-2 years relevant experience in the agriculture industry

Software/Skillset

• Familiarity with inventory processes
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite, particularly Excel
• Experience working in agriculture, and/or a seed company
• Experience with seed processing and packaging

Other

• Focused attention to detail and superb organizational skills
• Positive attitude
• Collaborative
• Ability to work independently to meet goals and milestones
• Rotational weekend work may be required during peak season
• Works well with cross functional groups
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs