Research Lead - Agriculture

The R&D Lead - Agriculture, will drive both theoretical scientific research and practical agri-technology development. This role combines academic-level agricultural science with hands-on innovation - leading research publications, controlled experiments, prototype development, and farm-level deployments. The lead will mentor the agrotech team and build a strong R&D pipeline from concept to science to prototype to field validation.

Educational Qualification

• Required: PhD in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Plant Science, Plant Physiology, or Agricultural Engineering.
• Preferred: Research background with published papers in precision farming, hydroponics, sustainable agriculture, controlled environment farming, or automation in agriculture.

Skills:

Scientific & Theoretical Research

• Strong understanding of crop science, plant physiology, soil & nutrient dynamics, hydroponics/aquaponics systems, protected cultivation, and climate-controlled farming.
• Expertise in experimental design (DoE), statistical analysis, scientific documentation, and research publishing.
• Ability to convert scientific findings into practical insights, whitepapers, and patentable concepts.

Practical Agri-Technology & Engineering

• Hands-on experience with sensor-based farming, micro-irrigation systems, fertigation units, automation devices, and IoT-based monitoring tools.
• Knowledge of hydroponic systems (DWC, NFT, substrate-based), polyhouse/greenhouse management, nutrient management, and farm automation workflows.
• Ability to collaborate with electronics, embedded systems, AI, and mechanical engineering teams to build real-world agri devices and prototypes.

Leadership & Execution

• Ability to lead a multi-disciplinary R&D team (agriculture + electronics + IoT).
• Strong project management skills—defining research roadmaps, timelines, SOPs, field trials, and success metrics.
• Excellent mentoring, documentation, communication, and collaboration abilities.
• Capable of managing partnerships with universities, ICAR institutes, KVKs, labs, and farms.

Responsibilities:

Theoretical Research

• Conduct literature surveys, identify high-impact agricultural research opportunities, and publish research papers, whitepapers, and patents.
• Lead controlled experiments in soil, nutrient, crop health, and precision farming techniques.
• Build scientific frameworks and internal knowledge systems.

Practical & Product Development

• Design and validate agri devices and automation systems, including:
• nutrient dosing systems
• climate control units
• smart irrigation/fertigation
• hydroponic and vertical farming systems
• farm monitoring devices (sensor nodes, IoT controllers)
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams to convert research ideas into working prototypes and deploy them in real farms.

Team Leadership & Management

• Mentor and guide junior agricultural researchers, interns, and engineers.
• Review experiments, oversee documentation, and ensure scientific rigor.
• Create SOPs, field-testing protocols, and validation frameworks.
• Build partnerships with agricultural institutions and oversee pilot programs.

Minimum Experience:

• 4 - 5 years of experience in agricultural research, agritech R&D, precision farming, hydroponics, or controlled environment agriculture.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹30,000.00 - ₹60,000.00 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Kochi, Kerala: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to relocate to anywhere in Kerala?
• Are you an immediate joiner?

Experience:

• Agriculture Engineering: 4 years (Required)

Work Location: In person