Lead CEA Research Specialist

About the role

The Lead CEA Research Specialist will direct crop‑production research in controlled‑environment facilities such as greenhouses, growth chambers, and grow‑tainers. Working closely with plant‑science faculty, staff, and external vendors, the specialist ensures high‑yield, high‑quality outcomes while supporting the Center’s operations and facilities.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and program greenhouse control systems (Hoogendoorn IIVO, Heliospectra HelioCORE, Microgrow ProComm II, JCI Metasys).
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair low‑voltage control panels, logic controllers, actuators, valves, motors, and relays.
• Design, install, and maintain irrigation and nutrient‑injection systems.
• Run and calibrate hydroponic systems (rockwool, emitter, NFT), monitoring EC, pH, and TDS.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain HVAC equipment and water loops.
• Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in controlled environments.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate a team of CEA facilities coordinators.
• Develop and deliver training on standard operating procedures.

Required profile

• Experience managing research projects in controlled‑environment agriculture.
• Strong technical background in greenhouse, irrigation, hydroponic, and HVAC systems.
• Proven leadership and supervisory abilities.
• Ability to collaborate with academic and external partners.

Required skills

• Hoogendoorn IIVO
• Heliospectra HelioCORE
• Microgrow ProComm II
• JCI Metasys
• Low‑voltage control panel troubleshooting
• Irrigation system design and installation
• Hydroponic system operation (rockwool, emitter, NFT)
• HVAC system maintenance
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead cutting‑edge agricultural research.
• Collaboration with top faculty and industry partners.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art controlled‑environment facilities.