Full-Time
Global Nursery Pest and Disease Prevention and Management Scientist
Posted on 5/9/2026
Driscoll's
1,001-5,000 employees
Compensation Overview
$116.5k - $151.5k/yr
United Kingdom + 1 more
More locations: Aptos, CA, USA
In Person
Domestic or international travel up to 25%.
 Lab & Research (2) |
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- Minimum of a Master of Science with 5+ years' experience or a Doctor of Philosophy with 3 years' experience, with degree in plant pathology, entomology, horticulture, crop science or other relevant field of study.
- Experience in crop science, plant biology and/or plant pathology is required.
- Ability to collaborate with nursery, pathology, entomology, molecular diagnostics, and clean-stock teams globally to develop detection and monitoring capabilities and early-warning systems.
- Knowledge of plant pathology, entomology, plants and their cultivation in greenhouse and field.
- Ability to lead and design scientific trials in greenhouses and fields focused on pest and disease biology, epidemiology, prevention and management with an emphasis on biologicals, cultural controls, novel chemistries, environmental manipulation, and predictive modeling.
- Extensive experience with using statistical tools to analyze complex plant health datasets and derive actionable insights.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and scientific summaries to support global decision-making.
- Ability to work independently to carry work forward is required but balanced with need to be highly collaborative with others.
- Experience in the development of emerging technologies (sensory tools, imaging systems, environmental controls, water treatments, biologicals, etc.) for use in nursery production.
- Ability to conduct accurate risk assessments for high-impact pests and pathogens; propose mitigation strategies based on known information and experimental findings.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills required.
- High organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage data.
- California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program are also required.
- Hold valid passport.
- Domestic or international travel up to 25%.
- Lead and design scientific studies focused on pest and disease biology, epidemiology, and management within nursery and breeding systems.
- Develop new or improved Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies with emphasis on biologicals, cultural controls, novel chemistries, environmental manipulation, and predictive modeling.
- Evaluate emerging technologies (sensory tools, imaging systems, environmental controls, water treatments, biologicals, etc.) for use in nursery production.
- Conduct risk assessments for high-impact pests and pathogens; propose mitigation strategies based on experimental findings.
- Development of spray programs to optimize effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of resistance.
- Partner with operations teams to translate research outcomes into practical recommendations, SOPs, and best practices.
- Develop detection and monitoring capabilities and early-warning systems for nursery systems.
- Lead the strategic use of AI for discovering, developing and deploying new Nursery Plant Health and Clean Stock technologies.
- Experience working with berry crops in agricultural settings.
- Experience working in nursery production.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
null
Founded
1944
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Soren Bjorn's leadership drives global scaling with new COO Wyard Stomp.
- Wadih Khayat's Coca-Cola finance expertise strengthens global capital deployment.
- Jiunn Shih as Global CMO builds marketing structure for purpose-led growth.
What critics are saying
- Watsonville hunger strikes trigger boycotts, eroding brand trust in 3-6 months.
- C-suite reshuffles delay expansion execution, shaking investor confidence in 6-12 months.
- Sweetest Batch rollout strains growers, causing quality failures and delistings in 6-12 months.
What makes Driscoll's unique
- Driscoll's pioneers proprietary berry varieties using traditional breeding for superior flavor.
- Independent network of 900+ growers spans 20 countries for year-round supply.
- Holds #2 retail food brand position in U.S. through flavor-first focus.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Flexible Work Hours
Remote Work Options
Hybrid Work Options
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Gym Membership
Phone/Internet Stipend
Home Office Stipend
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Certification Support
Mentorship Program
Employee Assistance Program
Sabbatical Leave
Adoption Assistance
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support
Parental Leave
Relocation Assistance
Pet Insurance
Employee Discounts
Performance Bonus
Profit Sharing
Stock Options
Company Equity
401(k) Retirement Plan
Company News
Driscoll's names Wadih J. Khayat chief financial officer. Driscoll's, the world's leading fresh berry company, announced Wadih J. Khayat has joined the company as chief financial officer. Reporting to Driscoll's CEO Soren Bjorn, Khayat will oversee global finance, technology and strategy. He will work closely with regional and functional leaders to ensure disciplined capital deployment and the long-term success of the company's global network of independent growers. Khayat is a strategic finance executive and transformational change leader with deep global experience and a strong record of delivering results at scale. He joins Driscoll's from The Coca-Cola Co., where he spent more than two decades leading major finance organizations worldwide. Most recently, he served as senior vice president and CFO for Coca-Cola's Europe business, overseeing operations across 38 countries. He previously held senior leadership roles within Coca-Cola, including CFO for the Asia Pacific Group and CFO and head of strategy for Coca-Cola Global Ventures at the company's global headquarters in Atlanta. He began his career in audit at Ernst & Young. "Wadih joins Driscoll's at an important moment for our company," said Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll's. "As we prepare to launch our next long-term strategic plan, his strategic financial expertise, disciplined execution and caring leadership will strengthen our financial foundation, support our global teams and position us for the future." "Driscoll's has a century-long legacy of exceptional berries, strong partnerships with growers and a deep commitment to the communities where we live and work," Khayat said. "That legacy drew me to the company and it's a responsibility I take seriously. I was especially struck by the strength of the brand, the trust it has earned globally and the unique network of independent growers and teams delivering berries every day. I'm excited about what lies ahead." Khayat was born in Lebanon and educated in France and speaks English, French and Arabic fluently. After relocating from Ireland, he is based at Driscoll's global headquarters in Watsonville, Calif... About Driscoll's Driscoll's is the global market leader of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage, Driscoll's is a pioneer of berry flavor innovation and the trusted consumer brand of Only the Finest Berries(TM). With more than 900 independent growers around the world, Driscoll's develops exclusive patented berry varieties using only traditional breeding methods that focus on growing great-tasting berries. A dedicated team of agronomists, breeders, sensory analysts, plant pathologists and entomologists help grow baby seedlings that are then grown on local family farms. Driscoll's berries are grown in more than 20 countries and are available for consumers in more than 40 countries across North America, Australia, Europe and China.
Driscoll's, the world's leading fresh berry company, has appointed Wadih J. Khayat as chief financial officer. Khayat will oversee global finance, technology and strategy, reporting to CEO Soren Bjorn. Khayat joins from The Coca-Cola Company, where he spent over two decades in senior finance roles. Most recently, he served as senior vice president and CFO for Coca-Cola's Europe business, managing operations across 38 countries. He previously held positions including CFO for the Asia Pacific Group and CFO for Coca-Cola Global Ventures. Based at Driscoll's headquarters in Watsonville, California, Khayat will work with regional leaders to support the company's network of independent growers and guide strategic planning. Driscoll's operates in over 20 countries with more than 900 independent growers worldwide.
Driscoll's launches The Berry Patch Book Club, offering families 4 free digital children's books. March 24, 2026 | 2 min to read WATSONVILLE, Calif. - Driscoll's, the world's leading fresh berry company, launched The Berry Patch Book Club, a free children's storytelling platform that extends the brand's focus on shared moments from the family table into story time. The inaugural collection of four original books for early readers ages 5-6 is available now as free digital downloads on Driscolls.com. Building on the success of its first children's book, "A Sofia Special" (2023), available with a free read-along video, The Berry Patch Book Club expands into a growing library of original stories. Each story explores themes of imagination, friendship, generosity and discovery, reflecting the everyday moments families share. The inaugural collection includes: * "Me & Spot" celebrates the power of imagination, transforming a simple stain into a magical adventure that shows how creativity can turn everyday moments into extraordinary experiences * "The Last Bee" highlights the importance of teamwork and cooperation, demonstrating how even the smallest helpers need others to bring real sweetness to life * "Clara's Berries" explores themes of generosity and kindness, showing how life can be sweeter when shared with others * "The Lost Berries" follows an unexpected adventure that reframes feelings of loss into opportunities to create beautiful new friendships "The Berry Patch Book Club is another way Driscoll's brings families together," said Ashley Capurro, senior manager of digital marketing at Driscoll's. "These four stories celebrate the joy found in ordinary moments, whether that's reading together, using imagination, or sharing delicious berries. Each book reinforces our belief that life is sweeter when shared with someone special." The Berry Patch Book Club builds on Driscoll's focus on the moments that bring families together, at the breakfast table, in the kitchen and at bedtime. Through original stories rooted in imagination and togetherness, the company is creating a collection families can return to over time. Future releases will continue to grow the collection with new stories centered on family, friendship, imagination and the small moments that make life sweeter. About Driscoll's Driscoll's is the global market leader of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage, Driscoll's is a pioneer of berry flavor innovation and the trusted consumer brand of Only the Finest Berries(TM). With more than 900 independent growers around the world, Driscoll's develops exclusive patented berry varieties using only traditional breeding methods that focus on growing great-tasting berries. A dedicated team of agronomists, breeders, sensory analysts, plant pathologists and entomologists help grow baby seedlings that are then grown on local family farms. Driscoll's berries are grown in more than 20 countries and are available for consumers in more than 40 countries across North America, Australia, Europe and China.
In addition to winning Good Housekeeping Snack Awards in 2024 and 2025, Driscoll's has been recognized as a Fast Company Most Innovative Company and received other accolades for the flavor innovation of its Sweetest Batch berries.
WATSONVILLE, CA: Driscoll's, a California-based seller of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, has appointed Frances Dillard as its first global chief communications officer.