Technical Research Lead

ROLE : Technical Research Lead

DEPARTMENT : Research

LOCATION : Remote

EMPLOYMENT TYPE : Full-time, Salaried, Non-exempt

SALARY RANGE : $56K - $68K (Depending on Experience)

ABOUT THE RESEARCH TEAM (Nested within the Standards & Verifications Team)

The Non-GMO Project Research Team acts as the knowledge generators and strategic navigators of the well-established Non-GMO program and the newly launched Non-UPF Program. Our work integrates data acquisition, systemic pattern recognition, and knowledge production to inform high-impact interventions within the food system.

We steward a breadth of food system research domains spanning food biotechnology assessment, supply chain analysis, and industry intelligence. Our research extends to emerging territories, including ultra-processed food regulation and systemic economics in agricultural practice. Where there is information, we gather, analyze, validate, and educate. Where there is none, we are establishing new internal processes to discover and operationalize research and publishing opportunities through partnerships.

Our team operates on a regenerative foundation. That means we center purposeful performance, value disagreement as a creative act, and see meaningful research not as a mechanical output but as a living conversation with the world around us. We are driven by curiosity, fueled by complexity, and passionate about realizing system potential through research and education.

ABOUT THE STANDARDS & VERIFICATION TEAM

The Standards & Verification team at the Non-GMO Project is responsible for maintaining the technical integrity of our Product Verification Program. We stay up to date on developments in the world of GMOs, support our third-party certifiers who are known as Technical Administrators (TA) in administering the Non-GMO Project Standard (the Standard), and facilitate the overall quality assurance of our programs. Our team is a cross-section of scientists, researchers, technical implementation virtuosos, maestros of quality, manufacturing industry veterans, and solution seekers. We?re skilled at wading through the details, interpreting and synthesizing complex information, speaking industry language and using our expertise to ensure that the Standard remains North America?s most trusted standard for GMO avoidance. If you?re interested in joining a team of unapologetic nerds who also happen to enjoy a good game of jeopardy every now and then, then the Standards & Verification team may be for you!

ABOUT THE NON-GMO PROJECT AND THE GREATER FOOD INTEGRITY COLLECTIVE

At the Non-GMO Project, we?re passionate about both what we do and who we are becoming through our everyday actions. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we?re committed to advancing food integrity through rigorous product verification, trustworthy education, and expanded programming that includes the Food Integrity Collective and Non-UPF Verified.

Our culture is grounded in collaboration and care for each other, for the planet, and for future generations. We care not only about what we are doing as an organization, but also who we are being and becoming through our everyday actions. We believe in the power of individual and collective choices to shape a more transparent, regenerative food system and a healthier world for all.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Non-GMO Project embraces the pursuit of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work as critical to our mission. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, national origin, color, gender (including gender identity), sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, family, marital or parental status, religious affiliation, creed, the presence of any physical, mental or sensory impairment, immigrant status, age, personal appearance, veteran status or any other protected class in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. We collectively uphold this commitment. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and welcome members of all backgrounds to apply.

POSITION OVERVIEW

This technical research role is responsible for improving and evolving key monitoring, validation, and integrity processes across the Non-GMO, Non-UPF, and Food Integrity Collective programs. You'll serve as an anchoring force within a small, high-functioning team ? assuming ownership of essential systems and creating bandwidth for innovation and strategic expansion. Over time, you?ll lead process enhancement initiatives, identifying friction points, optimizing workflows, and implementing software tools (including AI and automation) that sharpen our speed, clarity, and strategic impact. You?ll collaborate across internal teams, allied NGOs, and supply chain partners ? turning data into insight and systems into outcomes.

Strong candidates will have a background in applied research or food systems, with bonus points for experience in synthetic biology, regulatory analysis, or process design.

The ideal candidate for this role is a systems thinker who thrives at the intersection of technology, food integrity, and collaborative problem-solving. You bring both depth and curiosity?able to analyze complex systems, improve them with care, and balance innovation with trust. We?re looking for someone who pairs integrity and precision with a drive to build better tools, processes, and partnerships that strengthen a regenerative, transparent food system.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Inherit and Evolve Core Systems

Take ownership of key research and integrity processes ? including biotechnology monitoring, ingredient validation, supply chain assessments, and decision frameworks. Ensure these systems are maintained with rigor, transparency, and responsiveness to shifting realities.

Drive Continuous Process Improvement

Analyze existing workflows and data streams to identify inefficiencies, friction points, or misalignments. Develop and implement refinements that increase clarity, speed, and usefulness without compromising integrity. This includes proactively identifying opportunities to adopt software tools, AI platforms, or workflow automations that support research fidelity and partner effectiveness.

Translate Research into Actionable Outputs

Deliver high-utility outputs ? from internal tools to partner-facing documentation ? that clarify complex data and enable strategic alignment across stakeholders.

Support Internal Regenerative Operations

Collaborate with fellow researchers to cross-train, co-develop internal practices, and ensure flexible coverage across shared domains. Contribute to a regenerative team culture that fosters meaningful self-direction, camaraderie, and fulfilling personal and professional development.

Respond to Emergent Needs with Agility

Remain attuned to emerging risks, changes in GMO technology, or shifts in partner needs. Adapt systems and tools as necessary to maintain resilience and relevance in a fast-evolving landscape.

Support Data Integrity and Knowledge Infrastructure

Ensure research systems are supported by durable documentation, version control, and collaborative platforms that enhance long-term usability and organizational memory.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Experience

• Demonstrated ownership of complex systems, tools, or processes ? especially in research, technical operations, or validation contexts
• Ability to independently evaluate, improve, and document workflows for internal and external users
• Familiarity with software platforms that support research or operations (e.g., GPT, Salesforce, Slack workflows, data dashboards)
• Experience translating complex or technical concepts into actionable outputs for diverse stakeholders
• Comfort working in ambiguous or evolving contexts, with a proactive mindset and strong pattern recognition
• Ability to implement process improvements grounded in both integrity and applied outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication and collaborative problem-solving across teams or domains

Preferred Experience

BENEFITS AT A GLANCE

Medical Coverage

Time Away & Well-being

Growth & R ewards

Work from A nywhere, Comfortably

Mission & Values

ABOUT YOUR APPLICATION

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should address your interest in working with the Non-GMO Project and any particular skills or strengths you feel would qualify you for this role. We are committed to reviewing your application and hold ourselves accountable to creating an equitable process for each candidate. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website ( www.nongmoproject.org ).

We know that great candidates can come from unexpected places. If you see yourself in this role ? even if you don?t meet every qualification listed ? we?d still love to hear from you. We value lived experience, unconventional pathways, and perspectives that challenge our own. If you?re drawn to the work and the mission, reach out.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

If you?re a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please reach out to accommodation s@nongmoproject.org .