Rhizocore Technologies is an applied mycology start-up working with fungi to increase forest growth rates and carbon sequestration. Rhizocore focuses on the use of mycorrhizal fungi to grow healthier, more resilient forests that are less susceptible to drought and that sequester more carbon. We use our knowledge and library of locally sourced fungi, enabling trees to grow faster, decrease the amount of trees that die after planting and increase the amount of soil carbon sequestration in our woodlands.

Based at the Roslin Innovation Centre in Edinburgh, we are developing novel techniques for applying mycorrhizal fungi to improve the growth and resilience of young trees for ecosystem restoration and commercial forestry.

We are recruiting a Plant Data Scientist to analyse and capture data on the effect of mycorrhizas from plant trials in both tree nurseries and field sites across the UK, Europe and Australia. The aim is to quantify the impacts of a range of mycorrhizal fungi on plant growth in order to supply optimal fungal communities to tree planting efforts, improving the natural capital value of tree planting efforts globally.

We are looking for an inspired and dedicated Plant/Data Scientist with the a background in capturing data on plant growth and performance. This includes but is not limited to hyperspectral image analysis, chlorophyll fluorescence analysis and X-ray computed tomography. In addition, this candidate must have experience with plant growth modelling and experience building or working with computational models of organism growth.

Accountabilities:

1. To be responsible for the establishment and running of plant growth experiments
2. To extract as much data as possible on the effects of mycorrhizas on plants
3. Design and model plant growth data over time using leading indicator data
4. Coordinate a technician team monitoring the experiments
5. Manage both local and global research infrastructure

Experience Required:

• Plant growth modelling
• Building or working with computational models of organism growth
• Working with relevant imaging and data collection equipment
• Experienced modelling organismal growth from input data
• PhD in Plant or Mathematical Sciences
• Experience working with plants, preferably trees or forestry is desirable
• Experience with microorganisms, particularly fungi is desirable
• Experience working in an innovative laboratory or start-up environment is desirable

Please send in your application as directed above, or contact cp@kleboejardine.com for a confidential discussion. This role does not provide visa sponsorship.