Data Scientist

At our indoor vertical farm, we harness cutting-edge agricultural technology to grow fresh, nutritious produce year-round-regardless of weather or location. Using vertical stacking systems and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), we cultivate crops with precision, using up to 95% less water and no harmful pesticides. By optimizing light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients, we create ideal conditions for plants to thrive naturally and sustainably. Our farm is designed to reduce environmental impact, shorten supply chains, and deliver consistently high-quality food-locally grown and harvested at peak freshness. From seed to shelf, we are redefining farming to support a healthier, more resilient food system for the future.

Goal:

• Bring our organization further in our mission by contributing to data-driven cost optimization, creation of novel insights, and creation of future commercial opportunities. Success will be measured along factors like impact on energy reduction, yield increase and time-to-market.

• Inspire our organization by your expertise, resilience, adaptability and your constructive way of working and thinking to go the extra mile, also in areas where 'next levels' must still be installed.

• Willingness to support your colleagues with any other activities when needed in special cases (e.g. supporting with farm work around holiday periods or in case of incidents).

Key responsibilities and tasks:

• Prepare, propose, and align data science activities within the data-driven strategy with a focus on crop modelling, image analysis and data mining for cost optimization, insight creation and opportunity creation.

• Lead and deliver end-to-end projects: write proposals, design trials & experiments, execute in teams

• Advise and support colleagues on experimental design, analytics, and result interpretation.

• Stay abreast of technological advancements externally and integrate relevant innovations into Blue Skies Discovery, either by implementation or by collaborations

• Actively promote learning, innovation, and cross-team collaboration

• Report to and collaborate with the Blue Skies Discovery R&D leadership to align on objectives and strategies.

• Ensure compliance with safety, ethical, and sustainability standards.

Do you have experience in PostgreSQL?, Do you have a Master's degree?, PhD with 2 years of experience, or MSc with 5+ years of experience in data science / mathematics / computer science or similar.

• Experience working in agronomy, plant science or similar with a focus on crop modelling, computer vision / image analysis and data mining. Candidates are preferred with proven ability to rapidly transition theoretical models into robust, deployable production solutions within a time-sensitive operational environment.

• Relevant network and willingness to proactively identify and manage partnerships with external knowledge providers, including academia and specialized technology vendors.

• Affinity with PostgreSQL/Grafana and cloud solutions.

• Passionate about smart farming systems, sustainability, plant nutrition.

• Track record of project management.

• Proven affinity with operational excellence activities.

• Strong proficiency in English or Dutch.

• Accurate and structured way of thinking, with attention to detail.

• Strong team player with ability to work independently.

• Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management.

• Demonstrate strong (self-)leadership and organizational awareness.