Mycorrhizal Carbon Science Lead

Core responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and mentor SPUN's Climate and Carbon research group, setting strategic scientific direction aligned with SPUN's mission
• Oversee development of mycorrhizal carbon datasets, analytics, and spatial products, designing strategies for scaling fungal carbon measurements
• Drive scientific work to integrate SPUN's data into Natural Capital models and other quantitative NCS frameworks
• Establish and manage partnerships for pilot user-testing of SPUN data products, collaborating across teams on cross-functional projects

This role will build the world's first comprehensive datasets and strategies for measuring fungal-mediated carbon flows, bringing underground ecosystems into the center of climate action. Your work will create pathways for mycorrhizal fungi to be integrated into Natural Climate Solutions and carbon markets, influencing how the world measures progress toward climate goals and shaping conservation, restoration, and carbon policy for decades to come.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Biogeochemistry, Microbiology, and/or Earth System Science
• Significant experience designing and leading research programs in ecosystem ecology, particularly above/below ground carbon dynamics
• Robust understanding of soil biogeochemistry and fungal activities in carbon and nutrient cycles at various scales
• Demonstrated success building and interpreting advanced statistical models with excellent data management and coding skills in R and/or Python
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality scientific writing with strong science communication skills and fluency in English

Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums covered for employees, plus dependent coverage support.

Wellness & Lifestyle Support: Annual health stipend, flexible spending account (for US-based employees), monthly work-from-home allowance, and wellness days.

Generous Time Off: Minimum of 25 vacation days per year (plus local holidays), unlimited paid time off as needed, sick leave, and wellness days.

Professional Growth: Annual professional development allowance to invest in learning and career progression.

Workspace & Tools: Hardware allowance and annual workspace allowance to create a productive environment.

Additional Perks: Volunteer days, annual birthday meal stipend, and global consistency with local care in benefits.

SPUN is a startup NGO with a mission to map and protect the mycorrhizal fungal networks that regulate Earth's climate and ecosystems. They've built a global data platform to make these invisible networks measurable, generating high-resolution biodiversity maps and ML-powered tools that integrate mycorrhizal data into climate, conservation, restoration, and land management decisions worldwide.