Applications are invited for a Soil Solutions Specialist to join an expanding science-based company. The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Biodiversity Intelligence Team on research and development projects, finding new ways to use terrestrial biodiversity data to inform data products and solutions.
You will have in-depth knowledge of soil biodiversity and of the complexities of monitoring soil biodiversity, with an excellent understanding of the key opportunities and limitations associated with existing techniques. This eye for detail will not prevent you from ‘big picture’ thinking and we are looking for someone that has an appreciation of, and ideally experience with, cutting-edge innovations that are pushing the boundaries of soil monitoring, including the use of remotely sensed and other data sources.
Areas you might explore could include: developing how NatureMetrics works with international companies to predict and monitor the impacts of their agriculture supply chains; developing standards for measuring the outcomes of regenerative agriculture; and examining synergies between biodiversity and soil carbon monitoring.
You will work closely with the Team’s commercial experts to explore and develop innovative new approaches and solutions that improve biodiversity outcomes for a range of clients including corporates, NGOs and governments. Ideally, you will have experience of bringing together large multi-stakeholder groups, and securing funding either from clients or grants for ambitious projects.
You will be responsible for helping drive the research and development of our data products providing strategic input for team priorities, identifying new markets and opportunities with an eye on commercial
applications. You will have experience in data and analysis but will be supported by a team of data scientists and remote sensing experts to help bring your product ideas to fruition.
This is a senior role and you will be expected to have exceptional communication skills in order to discuss ideas and concepts with clients and NatureMetrics’ Leadership Team in an accessible way. You will be part of the Biodiversity Intelligence team, reporting to the Head of Team, and will work closely with the Product & Business Development teams. You will be comfortable working autonomously but must ultimately thrive as part of a team.
NatureMetrics is a high growth company leading the revolution in molecular biodiversity monitoring, enabling environmental managers to measure and monitor biodiversity with DNA-based tools. NatureMetrics has grown rapidly over the last five years and validated our technology in multiple industry sectors and regions of the world. We now have an exciting scale up plan backed by ambitious and supportive investors. We are a team of bright, enthusiastic individuals who are excited to be breaking new ground and disrupting the world of biodiversity monitoring. We take great pride in our work and are seeking new team members who will do the same.
The full specification can be found below. To apply, please email careers@naturemetrics.co.uk including a CV and covering letter, and state that you are applying for the Lead Developer – Terrestrial Solutions role. There is no fixed deadline for applications, and the position will be held open until we find the right candidate.
Roles & responsibilities
- Work closely with the Head of Team to provide strategic input on the key market opportunities and data products relevant to soil and other terrestrial settings.
- Work with the Business Intelligence market analysts, data scientists and project managers to deliver on the Team strategy by identifying key current and near-future market opportunities for the application of eDNA and other data approaches to solving biodiversity challenges on land.
- Contribute key ideas into how eDNA applications in soil can be used to inform big challenges such as monitoring regenerative agriculture outcomes in supply chains, or government biodiversity targets.
- Ensure that we maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity in our work, ensuring that whilst we push the boundaries, we do not over promise or deliver flawed concepts.
- Work with the team to develop strategic and collaborative partnerships with corporates, donors, policy makers and NGOs to develop and fund projects that allow us to acquire data, test innovative approaches and deliver biodiversity data solutions at scale.
- Build strong relationships with partners, collaborators and clients
- Secure client and grant funding to allow us to test innovative new data ideas and bring them to market.
Education & qualifications
A PhD in a relevant area is expected
Specialist knowledge, skills & experience
A PhD in a relevant area is expected
Specialist knowledge, skills & experience
- A background in soil science
- An in-depth understanding of the ‘art of the possible’ with respect to eDNA and other technologies in applications for monitoring soil biodiversity
- Demonstrated experience working with multi-stakeholder teams
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills in English, with an ability to translate complex topics into accessible stories for clients
It would also be an advantage to have:
- Experience in working in a commercial setting in a product development role
- Experience working at the research/application interface either with businesses or policy makers
- A network of academic and commercial contacts relevant to the work
- Experience working with large geo-spatial datasets and remotely sensed products
- Experience in using coding languages like R & Python.
Interpersonal & communication skills
Additional requirements
All applicants are legally required to demonstrate the right to work/permission to work in the UK. If a work visa is required, we will provide the necessary support.
Terms and Conditions
- Strong interpersonal skills are vital
- Ability to cultivate strong and lasting relationships
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, freely sharing ideas and concepts and providing clear instructions and guidance for data scientists.
Additional requirements
All applicants are legally required to demonstrate the right to work/permission to work in the UK. If a work visa is required, we will provide the necessary support.
Terms and Conditions
- Location - The post is based at NatureMetrics Ltd, CABI Site, Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9TY (with a move to new Head Quarters based in Guildford planned for later this year). The location can be flexible for exceptional candidates
- Working pattern and hours - The postholder is expected to work 40 hours a week Monday to Friday with core hours between 10am and 4pm.
- Length of appointment: Full time, permanent
