Grow with Robigo

  • As we become industry leaders, you can too. Come play a role in shaping the direction of our technology and company culture.

  • After demonstrating strong translation from lab-to-field, we are excited to be accelerating product development and commercial advancement of our lead programs.

  • We value our people and compensate them accordingly. You can expect unlimited PTO, healthcare coverage, a competitive salary, and a benefits package that is thoughtfully designed.

  • Our lab and office is located within The Engine by MIT, an incubator for deep tech companies in the heart of Cambridge. In addition to top of the line equipment, you can expect to meet smart people working on tough technical problems and endless cold brew on tap.

We’re engineering first-in-class microbes to solve ag’s most pressing problems, and we’re looking for exceptional teammates and collaborators.

Chief Operating Officer / Vice President, R&D

Location: Hybrid; must be in Cambridge, MA office 2–3 days per week

Position Overview

The COO / VP of R&D will play a pivotal role in leading Robigo’s transition from early R&D to product development and commercialization. This leader will oversee multidisciplinary teams across Plant Science, Strain Engineering, Analytics, Bioprocessing, and Regulatory Science, ensuring that R&D output is directly aligned with commercial goals and regulatory timelines. The COO / VP of R&D will balance scientific credibility with operational excellence, guiding Robigo’s product pipeline toward market adoption while building a scalable, high-performance organization.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: Commensurate with experience

  • Equity:  Stock Options 

  • Benefits

    • 4% 401K Match

    • Medical - 100% coverage via United Health

    • Dental - 100% coverage via BCBS

    • Unlimited PTO within reason

    • Holidays: All federal holidays + week between Xmas and New Years

Responsibilities

  • Refine and enhance Robigo’s multi-year R&D and commercialization roadmap aligned with regulatory timelines, field trial milestones, and commercial strategy.

    • Align R&D output with product development objectives required for distribution partnerships.

    • Oversee execution of 2026 field trials and regulatory dossier submissions.

  • Establish strong working relationships with the executive team, board, and functional leads.

  • Foster cross-functional alignment and operational best practices across teams.

  • Model decisive leadership, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on involvement when needed.

  • Perform additional responsibilities or special projects as requested to support Robigo’s strategic objectives.

Education & Experience

  • Preferred PhD in plant biology, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related discipline.

Must-haves

  • Proven track record of advancing agricultural biologicals (or related technologies) from discovery through development to commercial launch.

  • Experience integrating R&D with product development; able to translate breakthroughs into programs with clear specifications, timelines, and go/no-go decision points.

  • Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary scientific teams toward shared product development and commercialization milestones.

  • Hands-on leadership style with a bias toward action; comfortable advancing projects on ambitious timelines.

Nice-to-haves

  • Experience partnering with major AgChem companies to co-develop or validate products in real-world grower contexts.

  • Background in both startup and larger-company environments.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Scientific credibility combined with commercial awareness; understands that success is defined by adoption, not just innovation.

  • Strong communicator, able to generate buy-in across key stakeholders: employees, board members, regulators, and partners.

  • Calm, decisive leader who can chart a path forward when data are incomplete.

  • Collaborative, humble, and willing to roll up sleeves in a startup environment.

How to apply

  • Submit your CV to grow@robigo.bio

  • Please include a short description of why this position is interesting to you; No formal cover letter necessary.

  • Please indicate your estimated availability to start.

Robigo, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, or any other characteristic protected by law.