Application Guide
How to Apply for Founder in Residence, Priming Plant Resilience for Climate Risks
at Deep Science Ventures
🏢 About Deep Science Ventures
Deep Science Ventures stands out as a venture creation platform specifically focused on solving Earth's most pressing environmental challenges through science-based innovation. Unlike traditional companies, they provide the resources and framework for founders to build ventures from scratch that restore ecosystems and reverse global heating. Working here means joining a mission-driven organization that combines scientific rigor with entrepreneurial execution to create tangible planetary impact.
About This Role
As Founder in Residence for Priming Plant Resilience, you'll be building a new venture from the ground up focused on developing on-demand technologies that temporarily protect crops only when climate threats are imminent. This role involves creating both the technical roadmap (integrating RNA interventions and biologicals) and commercial strategy while preparing to secure £250k initial investment with significant equity ownership. You'll be pioneering a novel approach to climate-adaptive agriculture that could transform how we protect global food systems.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might begin with reviewing the latest research on RNA interference mechanisms for plant stress response, followed by mapping integration points with biological priming agents. You'd spend midday developing the commercial model for on-demand crop protection services, then prepare investor materials that translate complex science into compelling climate adaptation opportunities. The day would likely end with stakeholder conversations—whether with scientific advisors, potential co-founders, or early industry partners—all while building the foundational elements of your venture.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Deep Science Ventures Is Looking For
- Has direct experience in venture creation, preferably in agtech or biotech, with proven ability to develop both technical and commercial strategies simultaneously
- Possesses deep technical knowledge of plant resilience mechanisms, RNA-based interventions, biological crop protection tools, and how these integrate into climate adaptation solutions
- Demonstrates successful fundraising experience with investors in deep tech or climate tech, able to articulate complex science in compelling business terms
- Shows entrepreneurial drive with comfort in high-uncertainty environments and genuine passion for applying science to reverse global heating
📝 Tips for Applying to Deep Science Ventures
Highlight specific examples where you've integrated multiple scientific disciplines (like RNA tech with biologicals) into a coherent product strategy
Demonstrate your understanding of 'on-demand' versus permanent plant protection approaches and why temporary priming is strategically valuable for climate adaptation
Include metrics from past ventures showing how you progressed from concept to investment, particularly in the £250k-£1M range
Show how your background aligns with DSV's mission by connecting your work to ecosystem restoration or reversing global heating
Prepare to discuss how you would build the 'platform' mentioned in the job description - what components would you prioritize and why?
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific experience with venture creation in science-based startups, including how you've developed parallel technical and commercial strategies", 'Deep knowledge of plant resilience technologies, with examples of how RNA interventions or biologicals could be applied to climate-adaptive crop protection', 'Your approach to building investor-ready ventures, particularly how you would structure the initial £250k investment and equity ownership', "Why DSV's mission-driven, venture-creation model specifically appeals to you over traditional startup accelerators or corporate roles"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Deep Science Ventures' existing portfolio companies in agtech/climate tech to understand their investment thesis and venture-building approach
- → Recent scientific publications on RNA-based plant protection and biological priming mechanisms to demonstrate current technical knowledge
- → DSV's founder stories and how they structure equity and investment for Founder in Residence roles
- → The competitive landscape for climate-adaptive crop protection tools, particularly startups working on temporary/stress-responsive solutions
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Presenting generic startup experience without specific examples in science-based venture creation or deep tech fundraising
- Focusing only on technical expertise without demonstrating equal capability in commercial strategy and investor relations
- Approaching plant resilience as a permanent genetic modification rather than understanding the 'on-demand' temporary priming concept central to this role
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Deep Science Ventures!