Research & Development Associate
Attractive salary and incentive
Role Overview
We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Research & Development Associate to support the design, testing, and field validation of innovative biochar-based fertilizers and soil amendments. This role will directly assist in formulation work, pilot batch production, quality control, and managing on-ground field trials, working closely with the Global Product Development Manager.
Report to: Global Product Development Manager
Benefits and Compensation
- Competitive salary
- Bonuses on performance review
- Per-diem transportation, accommodation, food, and phone card
- Social Insurance (NSSF) and personal accident insurance
- Annual Leave and Public Holiday based on Cambodia Labor Law
- Company Holiday Policy
- Cross culture experience with international team
- Formulation Development
- Assist in designing and preparing fertilizer and biostimulant formulations (powder, coated granules, liquid blends).
- Maintain formulation logs, records of ingredient ratios, and process notes.
- Support compatibility and stability studies of different raw materials and additives.
- Pilot Batch Preparation
- Conduct small- and medium-scale pilot batch production trials using lab or field-scale equipment.
- Monitor mixing, coating, drying, granulation processes, and document operational parameters.
- Troubleshoot batch inconsistencies and suggest process improvements.
- Field Trial Design & Monitoring
- Help draft field trial protocols (crops, dosage, controls, timing).
- Coordinate logistics with field partners and farmers.
- Periodically visit field sites to collect data, photos, and farmer feedback.
- Assist in data compilation, basic statistical analysis, and report writing.
- Quality Control Support
- Collect and label raw material and product samples for lab testing.
- Perform basic in-house quality tests (pH, EC, moisture content).
- Track lab test results and help maintain QC records for each batch.
- Operational & Research Documentation
- Draft SOPs, experimental summaries, label claims, and technical data sheets.
- Support academic and research collaborations through documentation and sample coordination.
- Requirements:
- PhD/M.Sc./B.Sc. In Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or Industrial Chemistry.
- 1–3 years in an R&D, product development, or field support role in the agro-industry or fertilized industry.
- Hands-on experience with fertilizers, biochar, biostimulants, or compost-based products is highly preferred.
- Skills & Attributes:
- Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
- Familiarity with fertilizer formulation and field trial protocols.
- Basic lab skills (handling pH meter, moisture balance, etc.).
- Willingness to travel to field sites and production units.
- Good spoken and written English (Khmer is a plus).
- Proficiency with MS Excel, Google Sheets, and basic report writing.
Internship – Industrial Engineering and Process Optimization
Location: Cambodia – Based at HUSK Ventures production site in Kampong Thom province (approx. 3.5 hours from Phnom Penh, 2.5 hours from Siem Reap)
Schedule: Flexible start from June 2025
Duration: 3 to 4 months
Reporting to: Process Engineer
Compensation: /month, with accommodation provided near the production site
Role Overview:
We are seeking a motivated, hands-on, and optimization-driven intern to support our production team by analyzing and improving manufacturing processes. This is a field-based role requiring at least 5 days per week at the production site in Kampong Thom province.
You will work closely with our dedicated local team to:
- Study production flows
- Identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks
- Measure and calculate process capacities
- Propose and test improvements
- Assist with the implementation of more efficient production methods
The role offers significant autonomy in a real-world, resource-constrained environment, with strong support from both the Process Engineer and site workers. It is an immersive experience in the practical challenges and opportunities of manufacturing in an emerging market context.
Benefits:
- Accommodation and local transportation from the hotel to the site provided
- 1 day every 2 week of flexible remote work
- Hands-on experience in a mission-driven company at the forefront of sustainable agriculture
- Work closely with a supportive and passionate local team
- Exposure to the circular economy, climate change solutions, and smallholder farming challenges
- Opportunity to discover the Cambodian countryside and culture
- Paid holidays and benefits according to company policy
- Conduct time studies, flow analysis, and capacity assessments
- Collect and analyze on-site production data
- Identify areas for efficiency improvements and propose actionable solutions
- Support the implementation of process improvements with the production team
- Prepare clear documentation and reports to share findings and recommendations
- Collaborate with site staff to ensure sustainable process changes
- Present results to the Process Engineer and wider team
- Final year student in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Passion for optimization and efficiency in industrial settings
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative
- Willingness to work in a rural setting with limited resources
- Strong communication skills and adaptability in multicultural teams
- Prior experience with production environments, data collection, or process improvement is a plus
- Good written and spoken English
