Plant Path — a pioneering commercial agricultural company in Sanford, North Carolina — is actively seeking a driven and detail-oriented Research Technician to join its growing R&D team. This is a rare opportunity to work at the cutting edge of stevia crop breeding and genetic improvement, supporting greenhouse and field-based research that is shaping the future of healthier, more sustainable food production for billions of people worldwide. If you are passionate about plant science, agriculture, and making a real difference through research, this role is built for you.
About Plant Path — Science-Driven Crop Improvement Since 2014
Specialization: Stevia breeding and genetics — a history with the crop dating back to 2014
Mission: Improve food crops to satisfy the needs of growers, processors, and consumers worldwide
Impact: Reducing global sugar consumption and improving health outcomes for billions
Culture: Highest standards of ethics — every team member is respected, valued, and heard
Sanford, North Carolina — Growing Agricultural Innovation Hub
Work Setting: Field trials, greenhouse facilities, and R&D laboratory environments
Team: Work weekdays alongside a dedicated team of R&D scientists and fellow technicians
Schedule: 40 hours/week — overtime during peak activity; occasional weekends/holidays possible
Career Path: Strong opportunity for growth within an expanding commercial agricultural company
Position Overview
The Research Technician at Plant Path plays a hands-on, essential role in the company’s breeding and agronomy research program. Based at Plant Path’s Sanford, NC facility, you will plant, grow, monitor, pollinate, harvest, and collect data across greenhouse and field-based breeding experiments. You will work directly with R&D scientists, contribute to the stevia crop improvement pipeline, maintain meticulous records, and proactively identify solutions to research challenges. This role suits individuals with a strong work ethic, genuine curiosity about crop science, and the drive to contribute to meaningful agricultural innovation.
Why This Role Matters: As a Research Technician at Plant Path, you become part of a science and technology company with a clear global mission — improving lives by developing better stevia crops that reduce sugar dependence worldwide. You will gain hands-on R&D experience, build technical plant science skills, and work alongside expert scientists in a fast-growing agricultural company that genuinely values every team member’s contribution.
“Plant Path’s goal is to improve the lives of billions of people each year through its products, while making a significant contribution to improve the environment and save our planet.”
Roles & Responsibilities
Breeding & Field Research Operations
- Plant, grow, monitor, pollinate, harvest, and collect data from both field and greenhouse breeding experiments
- Assist with field and greenhouse maintenance including scouting, pest management, irrigation, environmental control, germination, and propagation
- Maintain inventory of plant materials, seed samples, and research supplies using barcoding and inventory software
- Support flawless execution of greenhouse and field-based breeding and agronomic research activities
Data Collection, Quality & Reporting
- Report phenotypic data collected directly to the breeding database, ensuring data meets quality standards and is loaded in a timely fashion
- Maintain highly accurate and consistent records of all research activities and experimental observations
- Utilize barcoding and inventory software to track and store seed and plant samples across breeding programs
- Demonstrate demonstrated experience in collecting plant data and curating datasets for consistency and quality
Continuous Improvement & Operations Support
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and promptly report challenges with breeding operations while proactively identifying potential solutions
- Continuously propose options for improving efficiency and quality of breeding operations — including process flow, techniques, and overall procedures
- Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for research operations
- Maintain a supply inventory and request supply purchases as needed to keep research operations running smoothly
- Adapt quickly to changes in workflows to maintain overall productivity and research momentum
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Comply with all local health, safety, and environmental requirements including prevention, incident reporting, and remedial actions
- Work comfortably and safely outdoors and in greenhouse facilities across all weather conditions, including summer heat
- Safely lift up to 50 lbs as required during field and greenhouse operations
Desired Candidate Profile
Educational Requirements
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Horticulture, Biology, or a related field
- Equivalent practical work experience in a relevant agricultural or scientific field is also considered
Experience & Skills
- Applied research or agricultural field/greenhouse experience is strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience in collecting data from plants and curating datasets for consistency and quality is a clear advantage
- Working knowledge of field production systems and/or greenhouse growing environments
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate, consistent, and organized research records
- Proficiency with computer tools — experience with tablets, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office is preferred
- High level of personal integrity and professional work ethics
- Comfortable completing solo tasks and collaborating closely within a team of R&D scientists and technicians
- Positive attitude, results-driven mindset, and ability to thrive in a constantly changing, fast-paced research environment
- Bilingual in Spanish is a valued plus — not required but welcomed
About Plant Path — Pioneering the Future of Stevia
Plant Path is a new commercial agricultural company headquartered in Sanford, North Carolina, with deep expertise in breeding, agronomy, and field trials. At the heart of the company’s work is stevia — a naturally sweet crop that holds enormous promise for reducing global sugar consumption and improving public health outcomes at scale. Plant Path’s relationship with stevia dates back to 2014, giving the team a depth of experience and genetic knowledge that is unique in the industry.
Beyond the science, Plant Path is an employer that operates with the highest standards of ethics and transparency. Every team member — from lead scientists to field technicians — is respected, valued for their individual skills, and given a real voice in the company’s success. Joining Plant Path means becoming part of something genuinely important: a mission-driven company working at the intersection of food science, environmental sustainability, and human health improvement on a global scale.
Who Should Apply?
- Agricultural Science Graduates: With hands-on plant science, field research, or greenhouse experience looking for a meaningful R&D role
- Plant Biology Enthusiasts: Passionate about crop improvement, breeding genetics, and sustainable food systems
- Field Research Technicians: With prior experience in data collection, phenotyping, and plant sample management
- Horticulture & Agronomy Professionals: Seeking a dynamic role within a science-driven commercial agricultural company
- Entry-Level R&D Candidates: With strong academic backgrounds in agriculture, biology, or crop science looking to build a research career
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