Company Overview

　　Wherever you work and whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name you know that you are a valued teammate who is part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality.” We start by offering each teammate more than just a salary. We provide formal training, competitive performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, healthcare packages for full-time and part-time employees, and a 401k plan to help build your future.

　　We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole selves to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you’re made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need.

　　Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee and is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone Americas and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

　　Job Category

　　Engineering & Science

　　Position Summary

　　Bridgestone Americas is seeking candidates to fill the position of Chief Agricultural Scientist at our BioRubber Research Farm that is located in Eloy, Arizona. The position is expected to be the thought leader, people-manager and principal scientist for plant breeding activities to develop Guayule (Parthenium argentatum)) as a commercially viable crop for production of tire-grade rubber, along with other co-products.

　　Responsibilities

　　The individual will be responsible for developing and executing a research plan to:

　　Optimize value-added products through breeding, selection and molecular biology techniques

　　Pursue developing cultivars optimized for local environments and target geographic regions

　　Pursue developing cultivars with disease resistance, drought, salt and herbicide tolerance

　　Develop intellectual property based on proprietary cultivars / lines to protect industry position

　　Develop validated in-situ rubber assay techniques to support breeding program

　　Proven networking experience/skills are required. Examples would include experience working with universities and business partners on collaborative projects.

　　Grant-writing experience would be desirable, though not required.

　　The candidate must be able to engage with the team and know something about everyone’s role.

　　Communication and leadership skills are required to ensure strong communication between the team members

　　Additionally, the individual will be responsible for managing the staff, facilities and collaborations of Bridgestone’s 281 acre research farm in Eloy, Arizona:

　　Manage operations and capital expenditures to support project objectives.

　　Manage farm infrastructure to ensure a safe and productive environment.

　　Collaborate with Public institutions to further Bridgestone’s objectives.

　　Minimum Qualifications

　　2-4 years management or direct/indirect leadership experience

　　Experience working in arid environments is required

　　The candidate should have experience with guayule or similar crops (perennial crops such as alfalfa, forage grasses, or other new crops)

　　Preferred Qualifications

　　A PhD in Plant Science, Plant Breeding, Horticulture or a related field is preferred. The ideal candidate should possess a PhD in Plant Genetics or Agronomy. Plant Physiology would be acceptable as long as the candidate has Genetics/Agronomy exposure.

　　Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

　　Employment Eligibility

　　If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.