Working Student / Intern – Research (Plant Science)

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 curious, reliable and meticulous Master’s student in the fields of physics, mathematics or plant science (molecular/computational biology) to predict and control plant growth, climate and nutrition in high-tech greenhouses. You support our research and engineering team, while taking on your own areas of responsibility.

Ideally you can join us for 20h / week for the next 6-12 months, or interns for a minimum of 3 months.

What You’ll Do

• Develop physical models of plant and greenhouse dynamics in Python
• Design and execute experiments to validate models and measurements
• Ensure validity and robustness of measurements in the greenhouse and labs
• In this hypothesis-driven work, you will often run and validate experiments

What You’ll Need

• Currently enrolled in one of the following Master’s degrees: Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology and its branches (computational, molecular, etc) or a combination of one of these
• Possess in-depth knowledge of mathematics, physical systems, or biological processes related to plant science
• General knowledge of Python and Linux, practical experience is an advantage
• You master problem-solving, organizational skills, and abstract thinking
• Ability to translate research papers into code
• You have passion for people, plants, and planet
• Fluent in English
• Available for min. 20h / week

Nice to have

• Affinity for agriculture, horticulture, greenhouses or just a love for nature

What We Promise

• Take responsibility early and grow in your role in this unique intersection of science, high tech and the organic world.
• The opportunity to change one of the biggest industries in the world for the better and become part of an international startup
• Attractive compensation and flexible working times
• Hybrid working model with a cosy office in Berlin, Friedrichshain, with the flexibility to work from home
• 25 vacation days, plus company vacation between Christmas and New Year
• Great career and personal development opportunities, 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.