Job Description

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