Head of AI & Research

We are Hortiya

What if you could ChatGPT with plants?

At the intersection of machine learning and plant science lies a great untapped opportunity to fundamentally change the way we grow food: more sustainable, climate resilient and accessible for everyone. We at Hortiya are working together with our partners from plant research and commercial greenhouse growers, on making plant behavior and performance predictable and thus controllable. Our goal is to build for plants what ChatGPT is for text and use that key AI technology to give crops the right level of light, climate and nutrition only when they are ready to use it. Join our experienced team and redefine how we as humans interact with plants.

How it all actually works

The Hortiya technology works at the intersection of the latest advancements in machine learning and plant science. Our proprietary sensor technology measures the photosynthesis activity of the plant and feeds the data into our AI to determine the best, next control action. The sensor technology is designed to serve multiple use cases and is easy to install. As a grower you can then book different services from our platform that will help you to automate tasks that were previously done manually and prone to error.

Your Role

We are looking for a Head of AI & Research to lead our AI team in building the core of our products – the Greenbrain.AI a foundation model of plant physiology that accurately predicts plant performance and behavior. As the Head of the AI & Research department you will build and deliver on the roadmap for the AI side of the products, making sure our models grow in performance and generalizability using latest advancements at the intersection of machine learning, control theory and plant science. You will also be part of the leadership team, reporting to the CEO and contributing to the strategic direction of the company.

What You’ll Do

• Working closely with the leadership team, you will own and define the artificial intelligence and machine learning strategy for the company
• You will develop, train and deploy ML models
• Research and implement the latest advancements in AI and ML
• Build a best-in-class AI and ML organization and team
• Contribute to shaping Hortiya as a product and as a meaningful place to work

What You’ll Need

• MS or ideally a PhD in Computational Biology, or a similar field that combines engineering and software development with biology or science
• Proven experience researching ML or advanced biology in academia
• Expertise in Python, Deep Learning and Model Predictive Control, hands on ability to code and train ML models
• Business acumen to apply and deploy science with a commercial lens
• Leadership and willingness to build a high performing AI and ML team
• You have a passion for data, plants and the planet

What We Promise

• Become an essential part in building one of the most relevant key technologies to master climate change adaptation
• Competitive compensation in salary and equity (VSOP)
• Flexibility: Hybrid working model with a cosy office in Berlin, Friedrichshain, and part-time (min. 70%) possible
• Hybrid working model
• 25 vacation days, plus company vacation between Christmas and New Year
• Ongoing career development, training, and coaching
• Various grants (mobility, fitness, solidarity farming)
• Unlimited snacks, drinks, fresh fruit and basil at the office 😊

Curious?

If you like to work with a purpose-driven team at the intersection of cutting-edge technologies and quantitative plant science – this might just be the place! We’d love to hear from you. Apply or send your CV to hireme@hortiya.com.

And don’t worry if your CV isn’t perfectly polished up – send it anyway and we’ll discuss it together. And if you have a particular affinity for plants and nature, please tell us about it!

Everyone is Welcome

At Hortiya, we celebrate difference. Whatever your background, what you look like, where you come from or where you're going – we’d be glad to have you along for the journey. We have only one planet and it’s for all of us. So if you want to help us build for the future, apply or get in touch and let’s talk.

We know some of the role requirements might sound daunting! You shouldn’t be intimidated and we encourage you to apply regardless of whether you check every box. Motivation, passion and love for nature and our world are the important factors – the rest can be learned.