Role Overview The Soil Scientist will lead Loam’s R&D on nutrient‑use efficiency (NUE) and water‑use efficiency (WUE) to support CarbonBuilder (CB) product development outside SecondCrop and strengthen the soil science foundation for our carbon projects and buyers. This role combines experimental design, data analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration across field, product, and commercial teams to translate soil science into product performance claims and decision‑ready evidence for growers, partners, and carbon buyers. Responsibilities Design, optimise, and troubleshoot laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments focused on soil responses to CarbonBuilder products, including NUE and WUE outcomes. Contribute soil science input to trial design for Loam’s field programs to ensure measurements are fit‑for‑purpose for product development and claims. Collect, curate, and analyse experimental datasets from lab, greenhouse, and field trials, including multi‑site and multi‑year programs. Perform statistical analysis and modelling of soil and agronomic data using appropriate software and workflows. Translate experimental results into clear, decision‑relevant insights for product development, carbon project design, commercial claims, and buyer diligence. Produce technical reports, research summaries, and internal memos to support product decisions, regulatory dossiers, and IP strategy. Prepare clear non‑technical summaries and data visualisations for commercial, carbon, and partner audiences. Collaborate closely with field, product development, bioproduction, commercial, and carbon teams to align soil science work with business needs. Provide soil science expertise and data interpretation support for carbon buyer due diligence processes. Engage with external collaborators and consultants (such as universities, CROs, and soil science consultants) to deliver consistent, high‑quality soil science outputs. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of soil science, agronomy, NUE/WUE research, and relevant carbon and MRV methodologies, and recommend improvements to Loam’s soil workflows. Follow safe laboratory and field practices, SOPs, and quality systems to ensure scientific quality, data integrity, and compliance with GLP, safety, and company policies. Maintain and improve laboratory and field equipment, protocols, and documentation relevant to soil and agronomic measurements. Provide technical guidance and mentoring to research associates and field staff on soil sampling, experimental design, and data handling. Contribute to soil‑science components of grant applications and collaborative research proposals where opportunities arise. Knowledge, skills, abilities [tangible or intangible] Essential PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline. Demonstrated experience designing and executing soil or agronomic field experiments. Hands‑on experience with soil sampling, preparation, and analysis, and working with analytical laboratories. Proven ability to manage and analyse experimental datasets, including statistical analysis of treatment effects and interactions. Familiarity with safe laboratory and field procedures, and good scientific record‑keeping (protocols, metadata, and raw data). Ability to operate, calibrate, and maintain standard laboratory and/or field equipment relevant to soil and plant measurements. Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot experimental issues and improve methods and workflows. Excellent written communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports or research summaries for scientific or technical audiences. Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in cross‑functional teams. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, managing multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic environment. Strong organisational and time‑management skills, with attention to detail and data integrity. Desirable Experience in assessing soil properties (carbon, nitrogen and water), soil-plant-water relations, or related agronomic efficiency traits. Experience working with multi‑site field trial datasets and integrating soil, agronomic, and environmental data. Proficiency with statistical and data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, or similar) for experimental design, mixed‑effects models, and visualisation. Experience interfacing with commercial or external partners (e.g., growers, agronomists, industry collaborators, or carbon buyers). Experience contributing to scientific publications, conference presentations, or technical white papers. Familiarity with carbon projects, soil carbon measurement, or MRV frameworks is an advantage but not essential. How This Role Supports Loam’s Mission The Soil Scientist provides the core soil science expertise that underpins Loam’s CarbonBuilder product development and carbon projects. By designing robust experiments, analysing field and laboratory data, and translating results into clear, defensible insights, this role: Drives Loam’s R&D to support CarbonBuilder adoption beyond SecondCrop. Strengthens the evidentiary base for Loam’s product claims and carbon propositions. Increases confidence for growers, partners, and carbon buyers in the impact and reliability of Loam’s solutions. Through rigorous science and close collaboration with cross‑functional teams, the Soil Scientist helps Loam deliver credible, scalable climate impact in agriculture. Benefits Personal Learning Budget: Support for professional development and continuous growth. Flexible Work Environment: Options for remote work to support work-life balance. Impactful Work: Contribute to global efforts in environmental sustainability and agriculture. Training and Development: Access to a personal development plan with ongoing training opportunities. Why You Should Join Us At Loam, we’re tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time with a passionate team dedicated to making a real difference. If you’re eager to apply your skills to a mission that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you. Loam Bio is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic.
