Advancing the Future of Freshness™, Together

AgroFresh is a fast-moving, dynamic company dedicated to delivering integrated near- and post-harvest solutions for more freshness and quality, every step of the way from harvest to home. From next-gen digital monitoring and analytics and plant-based coatings to integrated fungicide solutions and SO2-generating sheets for more intelligent packaging, you can count on us for a full suite of near- and post-harvest solutions that help enhance quality and extend the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables.

When you work at AgroFresh, you work with the leading experts in near- and post-harvest technologies to proactively solve the most pressing challenges. Imagine a world where the produce supply chain has more time at every step of the way. Where products get to consumers exactly as the grower intended. Where food loss is minimized, sustainability maximized, and business is empowered. This is the world of Smarter Freshness.

What the Role Delivers

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Lleida within the AgroFresh R&D Innovation Center.

This position combines hands-on experimental responsibilities with laboratory coordination and operational support, playing an active role in the development and evaluation of postharvest solutions such as fungicides, biologicals, coatings, and growth regulators.

Reporting to the Innovation Center Lab Manager, the role plays a key part in delivering reliable experimental data and ensuring laboratory excellence, directly supporting the development and validation of AgroFresh postharvest solutions. It contributes to accelerating innovation while ensuring compliance with GEP/GLP standards and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities
In order of relative importance

• Experimental Design & Execution

• Design, plan and execute in vitro and in vivo trials to evaluate the efficacy of new and existing solutions
• Perform microbiological assays and postharvest evaluations under controlled conditions
• Analyze, interpret and summarize experimental data
• Prepare and review technical reports in English and communicate results to global teams

• Laboratory Operations & Compliance

• Maintain laboratory infrastructure, equipment and experimental systems
• Ensure compliance with GEP, GLP and internal SOPs
• Support development, review and implementation of laboratory procedures and documentation
• Ensure proper calibration, maintenance and correct use of laboratory equipment

• Planning & Coordination

• Organize materials, consumables and resources required for experimental activities
• Support prioritization and planning of trials in coordination with the Lab Manager
• Ensure laboratory readiness, organization and efficiency

• Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and regulations
• Support waste management and risk prevention practices
• Promote a strong safety and quality culture within the laboratory

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve experimental approaches and product performance
• Contribute to the development and optimization of AgroFresh solutions
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (e.g., research centers)

Who to Work With

• Primary internal stakeholders

• Innovation Center Lab Manager
• Global R&D teams across Biology, Chemistry and Postharvest areas
• Regulatory and Technical teams

• Key external partners

• Research centers (e.g., IRTA)
• External collaborators and technology partners

How We Work
AgroFresh core competencies – those in italics apply for people leaders

• Accountability for Results
• Mindset for Growth
• Customer Centricity
• One AgroFresh
• Owns the Talent

What the Job Requires

• Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Agronomy, Chemistry or related field
• 2–4 years of experience in laboratory or R&D environments
• Experience in experimental trials (in vitro and/or in vivo)
• Experience working with postharvest pathogens (e.g., Botrytis, Penicillium, Monilinia) is a strong plus
• Experience in structured experimental environments (protocol-driven work)

What to Have Done and Know How to Do

These skills and experiences are highly desirable; however, they do not preclude exceptions based on an individual’s performance history and demonstrated potential.

• Hands-on experience conducting laboratory experiments independently
• Ability to manage multiple experiments in parallel and prioritize effectively
• Ability to design and execute dose-response or efficacy trials
• Experience analyzing experimental data and drawing conclusions
• Experience writing technical reports in English
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment (incubators, microbiology tools, etc.)
• Experience using ARM (Agricultural Research Manager) as a standard tool for trial design and data analysis is a plus
• Experience working under SOP-driven environments
• The role requires a hands-on approach, with a strong involvement in daily laboratory activities and experimental execution.
• Ability to work under time constraints and adapt to changing experimental priorities

Why Work Here

• We work every day to improve the quantity and quality of fresh produce and reduce food waste – that is important to every person on the planet!
• We have a rich history and are known for our quality products.
• We have an enterprising spirit and are looking for like-minded problem-solvers to help us accomplish our goals.
• We focus on the Critical Few priorities that are important for us and our customers and then hold ourselves accountable to deliver.
• We are growing and transforming – both our business and the industry.
• We are committed to developing our colleagues and helping you advance in your career.