Plant Scientist - Kent, OH

Who We Are:

Smithers-Oasis is a diverse global manufacturer and marketer of floral foam and design media, floral accessories, postharvest products, cellular growing media, temperature control packaging, medical impression foam, and custom foams for specialized applications. Our business divisions include OASIS Floral Products, Floralife Postharvest Products, Design Master, OASIS Grower Solutions, Temprecision International, Medical Impression Foam, and Engineered Products.

Our business divisions and operating units all have the same goal - to provide solutions-based products and services - and our network of facilities around the world enables Smithers-Oasis to provide these at the local level, yet with a global perspective. For floral markets, that means products that reflect local cultural preferences and traditions. From horticultural and postharvest perspectives, we work with suppliers throughout the global supply chain to maximize crop production and protect products from harvest to the point of sale. For our specialty foam divisions, we drive innovation, accept accountability, and are positioned to partner with operations worldwide.

At Smithers-Oasis, we are committed to quality and innovation. We are proud to collaborate with our communities to create longstanding, supportive partnerships and customer satisfaction.

What We Need:

We are seeking a self-motivated and scientifically curious individual to fill the role of Plant Scientist within our Corporate Research department in Kent, OH!  The Plant Scientist will have global responsibilities and will perform work related to aspects of propagation production and postharvest quality of floriculture and hydroponic food crops grown under controlled environmental conditions.  This position will have a focus on specialty substrates for propagation, soilless cultivation, and hydroponic production. There will be a special emphasis on developing sustainable and biobased solutions to improve growth and quality of controlled environmental agricultural crops. The Plant Scientist will conduct plant science experiments, report results, and apply the knowledge to develop new products and new processes in a timely manner. This position will collaborate closely with other plant and polymer scientists, marketing, manufacturing, quality, and sourcing to successfully develop and launch new products in timely manner.

The successful candidate is someone who has experience and interest in applied research to help us develop products and solutions for our customers.  Our research facility greenhouse is set up to mimic the conditions of our grower customers' facilities.  We are looking for someone who has the drive and innovation to execute our shared vision.

Some specific responsibilities of this position include (but are not limited to):

• Conduct scientific greenhouse and lab research and report findings in the format of research reports, technical reports, and presentations to deliver project deliverables such as new products, new processes, and product improvements in a timely manner.


• Drive innovation in the field of floriculture and controlled environment agriculture by interaction with academics, industry experts, and customers to understand new technologies, new research methods, and industry trends.


• Collaborate closely with colleagues in other research departments, marketing, manufacturing, quality, and sourcing to successfully develop new products.


• Provide technical support to technical sales team and customers.


• Coordinate with sales team and customers to conduct field trials as a part of new product and new application development.


• Mentor and supervise Research Technicians.

Who We Are Looking For:

• An individual with a Master's degree in a plant science or horticulture emphasizing greenhouse production, controlled environment agriculture production, plant pathology or plant microbiology is required.  An individual with a PhD in these areas is preferred.


• An individual with a strong working knowledge and interest in propagation, nutrition, and production in soilless media and/or hydroponic production of food and floriculture crops is preferred.  (Industry work experience is preferred but not required.)


• An individual with demonstrated ability to design and conduct specific research to answer questions and solve problems to develop and commercialize products for propagation and production in soilless media and/or hydroponic production.


• An individual with strong verbal and written communication skills to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.


• A self-motived and passionate individual who has a positive attitude and is able to work in fast moving environment.


• An individual who is able to travel at times, both domestically and internationally.  

Please note that only candidates who have greenhouse experience will be considered.

What We Offer:

• Our company culture places a high value on integrity and trust, respect, collaboration, and a proper work/life balance.


• An opportunity to add value to the organization and build strong professional relationships.


• A full-time career with a competitive salary and benefit plan options, generous paid-time off and an immediately vested company-matched 401k plan.

The salary range for this position is between $72,000-$92,000 per year.