Genomics Lead

Genomics Lead

Horizon Technology Company (“HTC”) is a leading provider of innovative products utilizing organic acid-based substances applied to the agricultural markets. Focusing on naturally derived and environmentally sustainable materials, HTC is committed to delivering scientifically proven products that mitigate against environmental stress, improve resource use and efficiency, and increase consumer value and productivity. We support a lifestyle of balanced priorities where everyone works hard and enjoys themselves and each other. We look out for one another and value the caring attitude and respect we have for one another in the workplace and beyond. Our corporate headquarters and laboratory facilities are based in Denver Metro, Colorado.

Summary:

Horizon is seeking an industrious and attentive individual to work at the company’s R&D laboratory. This position’s primary responsibilities include: building out genomic capabilities to meet the strategic goals of the company, combining genomic, phenomic and other omic datasets into a cohesive data story to guide product development, and communicating their research appropriately to other stakeholders including other departments, customers, and general public.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to learning, effective and clear communication skills, attention to detail, an appreciation for precise measurements and accurate documentation, and a dedication to maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient work environment.

Omics Program Development

• Design, launch, and lead the company's multi-omics research program, integrating genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics platforms into a cohesive research strategy.

• Establish SOPs, workflows, analytical pipelines, and quality standards for all omics disciplines. With initial workload focused on genomic protocols.

• Oversee sample preparation, data acquisition, and bioinformatic analysis across omics platforms, ensuring reproducibility and scientific rigor.

• Identify and onboard external CRO/CDMO partners, instruments, and software tools needed to support program build-out.

• Manage omics program budgets, timelines, and resource allocation in coordination with the Director of R&D.

Genomics

• Design and execute genomic studies to characterize bio-stimulant effects on plants including but not limited to microbial, humic, seaweed, amino acid, and other bio-stimulants.

• Apply whole genome sequencing, amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, and transcriptomics approaches to answer key research questions.

• Leverage genomic data to guide product development, and mechanism-of-action studies.

Metabolomics

• Develop and implement targeted and untargeted metabolomics workflows using LC-MS, GC-MS, or NMR platforms to profile bio-stimulant compounds and plant metabolic responses.

• Interpret metabolomic datasets to identify bioactive molecules, elucidate biosynthetic pathways, and support product efficacy claims.

• Collaborate with internal R&D and Marketing teams to link metabolomic findings to product performance outcomes.

Proteomics

• Establish proteomics capabilities including protein extraction, LC-MS/MS workflows, and data analysis pipelines.

• Apply proteomics to characterize microbial plant stress response proteins, and mode-of-action studies relevant to bio-stimulant efficacy.

• Integrate proteomic data with genomic and metabolomic datasets to build multi-omics models of bio-stimulant activity.

Phenomics Contribution

• Serve as a key scientific contributor to the company's phenomics program, integrating high-throughput plant phenotyping data with omics data sets.

• Support the design of field and greenhouse trials that combine phenotypic measurements with omics profiling to establish genotype-phenotype-environment relationships.

• Contribute to the development of predictive models linking molecular signatures to agronomic performance outcomes.

Scientific Communication & Industry Influence

• Present research findings at leading scientific conferences, symposia, and customer/partner events to position the company as a thought leader in the bio-stimulant space.

• Author and co-author peer-reviewed publications, white papers, and technical reports to communicate scientific advancements externally.

• Engage with growers, agronomists, and industry stakeholders to translate complex omics science into compelling, accessible narratives.

• Build and maintain relationships with academic collaborators, key opinion leaders, and industry partners.

• Contribute to grant writing, regulatory science submissions, and intellectual property development as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience with demonstrated expertise in one or more omics disciplines (genomics, metabolomics, or proteomics).

• Hands-on experience designing and executing omics experiments from sample collection through data interpretation and reporting.

• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and programming languages relevant to omics data analysis (e.g., R, Python, QIIME2, MetaboAnalyst, MaxQuant, or equivalent platforms).

• Proven track record of scientific publication, conference presentations, and external scientific communication.

• Strong project management skills with experience leading multi-disciplinary research programs.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across scientific and commercial functions in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in agricultural research, plant-microbe interactions, or bio-stimulant/biofertilizer science.

• Familiarity with phenomics platforms such as LemnaTec, PlantEye, or UAV-based imaging systems.

• Experience integrating multi-omics datasets using systems biology or data science approaches.

• Established network within the agricultural science, agri-biotech, or bio-stimulant industry.

• Experience managing junior scientists, research associates, or technicians.

Additional Information:

Classification: Exempt / Salary, paid bi-weekly, benefits eligible.

Position open: Immediately

Location: Westminster, CO

Horizon Ag Products will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position

Horizon Ag-Products is an Equal Opportunity Employer