Agronomist / Crop Scientist

About NetZeroNitrogen Ltd NetZeroNitrogen (NZN) is an early-stage but ambitious UK start-up located in Nottingham, and which exists to eliminate the 1.1 billion tonnes CO 2 e generated by the production and use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture. We recently closed a 75% over-subscribed pre-seed funding round in addition to securing grant funding from UKRI. Our vision is to become a global leader with a portfolio of biological products that offer food security in a sustainable way. Simply put, NZN products will provide farmers with a highly effective, natural, cheaper and biological alternative to synthetic fertilizers. We have assembled a small team of experts with a 10 years of combined experience and a track record of developing biological nitrogen-fixation technology into commercial products. The role NZN is currently recruiting a Development Agronomist / Crop Scientist role to work on a full time, permanent basis. Part time availability may also be considered on an initial short-term basis. Reporting to the CSO, the primary role is to test prototype biofertilizer products by evaluating their impact on plant growth and development. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary science effort spanning microbiology, bioanalytics, plant science, and molecular biology, as well as interacting with the CEO on the commercial implications of your work. This hands-on role will be based at the NZN lab/office on University Park, University of Nottingham, but would also suit hybrid working. Local and international travel will be required. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include: Providing agronomy support for NZN-led glasshouse trials at our site outside Nottingham Design and management of field trials, primarily in Asia at the moment, including tendering, contracting, import/export of trial materials, ongoing trial monitoring, and the analysis, interpretation and reporting of experimental results Providing agronomy knowledge to the wider business Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders e.g. research collaborators Supporting commercialisation activities such as market and regulatory pathway research Supporting grant writing bids and other non-dilutive fundraising opportunities Attending international conferences. The person We proud of what we do and are building the company that we want to work for. We believe that the right people give us the best chance of realising our technology s potential for combatting climate change. We are looking for someone that is passionate about sustainability, intellectually curious, an effective communicator and, most of all, motivated to develop a game changing and disruptive solution. You ll be a professional agronomist/crop scientist with: At least one of PhD or min 3y equivalent work experience in agronomy/crop science or related subject area (experience with rice and/or biofertilizer development would be particularly valuable) Experience managing and/or conducting glasshouse and/or field trials (essential) Willingness to travel internationally to monitor field trials (essential) A very good understanding of plant biology and biologicals (essential) Hold a UK full driving licence (desirable) Previous experience working with rice (desirable) A product development background (desirable) Previous microbiology lab experience (advantageous). Complementary knowledge or experience in any (or all) of the following areas are advantageous: bacterial product formulation, fermentation, freeze-drying, molecular biology, plant-microbe interactions, plant physiology, seed coating technology, and statistical analyses. You should feel comfortable working in a fast paced, dynamic environment and be able to communicate complex scientific principles, methods, analyses and results to professionals from diverse backgrounds, including internal and external stakeholders. Please submit your application including your CV and a 1-page cover letter. The benefits of working for us This will be the journey of a lifetime The team is serious about their mission to reduce over one gigaton of CO e, and you can play a pivotal role in making that happen. We offer a highly competitive salary (£30k-£50k), variable depending on experience, and a benefits package including an employee share option scheme, pension scheme, flexible working, 28 days paid annual leave per year, as well as more that will be set up as the company grows. Disclosure You must have the right to live and work in the UK please consult the Home Office website for further information.