Cirsium Biosciences is creating the next generation of manufacturing technologies for viral vector production. Our novel plant-based platform solves the existing problems of speed, flexibility, scalability, and safety in viral vector manufacturing while dramatically reducing production costs. Our goal is to enable global and equitable access to life-changing genetic therapies.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Grow Facility Manager to oversee daily operations within our state-of-the-art indoor vertical farm system, dedicated to hydroponic biopharmaceutical production. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in indoor vertical farming, pathogen control, and hydroponic cultivation techniques to ensure optimal plant health, productivity, and compliance with stringent quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the indoor vertical grow facility, ensuring optimal performance of hydroponic systems and environmental controls.

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cultivation, nutrient management, and integrated pest management (IPM) with a strong focus on pathogen control.

• Supervise and mentor grow team staff, providing training on best practices in plant health, disease prevention, and biopharmaceutical-grade cultivation protocols.

• Monitor environmental parameters (e.g., light, temperature, humidity, CO2 levels) to optimize growth conditions and yield quality.

• Oversee hydroponic system maintenance, nutrient solution preparation, and water quality management.

• Implement and enforce biosecurity measures to mitigate risks of contamination and pathogen outbreaks.

• Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory teams to support product development and ensure compliance with GxP, FDA and biopharmaceutical production and regulatory standards.

• Utilize data analytics and growth metrics to drive continuous improvement in crop production and operational efficiency.

• Manage inventory of cultivation supplies, equipment, and nutrients, ensuring cost-effective resource utilization.

• Prepare reports on crop performance, system functionality, and operational metrics for senior management review.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Plant Biology or a related field with 7+ years of relevant experience.

• Proficiency with various CEA systems i.e., hydroponics, aeroponics, or aquaponics.

• Knowledge of automated environmental control systems, including HVAC and LED lighting.

• Strong understanding and experience of plant science and horticulture.

• Strong analytical skills, excellent problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking for sustainable practices.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills, and ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.