Director, Research & Technical Affairs - #8825S

Bring your science to the table—and see it shape an entire industry.Joe Produce is exclusively representing the California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) in the search for a Director of Research & Technical Affairs. Together, the Boards represent 3,700 growers and 71 processors and steward research for an industry responsible for 99% of U.S. walnut production and nearly half of global supply. Funded by grower assessments and USDA export programs, the Boards invest in science that must be rigorous, defensible, and—most importantly—used.This role is built for a scientist who wants their work to live beyond journals and reports. As Director of Research & Technical Affairs, you will lead a multimillion-dollar applied research portfolio that directly influences on-farm practices, post-harvest handling, food safety, sustainability, and international market access. The research decisions made in this role translate into real outcomes for growers, processors, and global customers.Reporting to the Vice President of Industry & Government Affairs, you will serve as the technical authority and scientific translator across the walnut value chain—setting priorities, evaluating rigor, guiding investment, and ensuring research outcomes are practical, credible, and adoptable.

Just as important, this role is for someone who enjoys working with many different personalities and perspectives—from growers and processors, to academic researchers, regulators, marketers, and highly technical specialists. Success here requires intellectual confidence, humility, and the ability to communicate complex science clearly to both deeply technical audiences and non-scientific stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities