Application Guide

How to Apply for Mycorrhizal Carbon Science Lead

at The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)

🏢 About The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)

SPUN is a unique startup NGO focused exclusively on mapping and protecting mycorrhizal fungal networks, which are critical yet understudied regulators of Earth's climate. Unlike traditional environmental organizations, SPUN combines cutting-edge science with conservation action specifically targeting underground ecosystems. Working here offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of a novel scientific field while contributing directly to climate solutions through fungal networks.

About This Role

As the Mycorrhizal Carbon Science Lead, you will spearhead SPUN's research on fungal carbon dynamics, overseeing dataset development and strategic direction for climate impact. This role is impactful because it directly translates mycorrhizal science into practical tools for natural capital accounting and climate frameworks. You'll bridge scientific research with real-world applications that could reshape how we understand and manage carbon sequestration.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing fungal carbon dataset development with your team, collaborating with the Biodiversity Analytics group on cross-team projects, and strategizing with the Climate Breakthrough team on measurement scaling. You'd likely spend time designing research approaches that integrate SPUN's unique mycorrhizal data into climate frameworks while managing scientific partnerships for data product testing.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) Is Looking For

  • A PhD holder with deep expertise in soil biogeochemistry who can articulate how fungal activities specifically influence carbon cycles at multiple scales
  • Someone with proven experience designing research programs that connect above-ground and below-ground carbon dynamics in ecosystem ecology
  • A leader who has successfully built and interpreted advanced datasets in environmental science, preferably with spatial or modeling components
  • A strategic thinker who can identify how fungal carbon data integrates into natural capital models and quantitative frameworks

📝 Tips for Applying to The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)

1

Explicitly connect your past research to mycorrhizal networks or fungal carbon dynamics, even if indirectly - SPUN wants to see you understand this niche

2

Highlight any experience with spatial data products or analytics development, as this role specifically oversees 'spatial products'

3

Demonstrate how you've previously scaled scientific measurements or databases, referencing the 'scaling fungal carbon measurements' requirement

4

Show cross-team collaboration experience, particularly between scientific and strategy teams like the Climate Breakthrough team mentioned

5

Include specific examples of how you've mentored research groups while setting strategic scientific direction

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with soil biogeochemistry and fungal-carbon interactions at various scales', 'Examples of successfully leading research programs that answered cutting-edge questions in ecosystem ecology', "How you've previously integrated scientific data into practical frameworks or models", 'Your vision for scaling fungal carbon measurements and building partnerships for data product testing']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → SPUN's existing mapping projects and published research on mycorrhizal networks
  • → The organization's specific mission language about 'regulating Earth's climate and ecosystems'
  • → How natural capital models currently incorporate (or don't incorporate) fungal data
  • → SPUN's collaboration network and previous partnerships mentioned in their materials

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a strategy to scale fungal carbon measurements across different ecosystems?
2 What specific approaches would you use to integrate mycorrhizal data into natural capital models?
3 Describe a past research program you led that connected above-ground and below-ground carbon dynamics
4 How would you mentor a team while setting strategic direction for SPUN's Climate and Carbon group?
5 What partnerships would you prioritize for pilot testing SPUN's data products and why?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic applications that don't specifically address mycorrhizal fungi or fungal carbon dynamics
  • Focusing only on above-ground ecology without demonstrating below-ground expertise
  • Presenting yourself purely as an individual contributor rather than a leader who mentors and sets strategy

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN)!

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