Lead Plant Scientist

The Lead Plant Scientist will be responsible for working with Quercus CEO to build the capabilities and team supporting Quercus vision to deliver a new class of crop protection chemistry.  By leveraging our strategic relationship with innovative AI protein design partner Ordaos, and building Quercus R&D capabilities internally and in partnership the Lead Scientist will be instrumental in assembling the team and capabilities that enable our vision.  This role will be responsible for setting and executing technical objectives for advancing our innovation agenda in bespoke protein crop protection solutions.  In collaboration with the founders and Quercus staff the Lead Scientist will establish the technology strategy that takes best advantage of our unique technology position to meet the biggest needs of farmers in the Americas and globally.  The Lead Scientist will work with Quercus staff and external patent counsel to develop the intellectual property estate around our unique bespoke protein solutions.  The lead will work with external CRO providers to execute Quercus plans and deliver against our objectives in the most efficient manner possible.

·  Lead the execution of Quercus technology effort across internal and external resources to accomplish Quercus strategic objectives

·  Identify key technology and process constraints and build and execute plans to address

·  Collaborate with Quercus executives and advisors to conceive and address Quercus second generation product objectives

·  Build a capable, high impact multi functional team to support Quercus technology agenda

·  Develop and manage the technology function budget for Quercus

·  Own the scientific quality of Quercus and collaborator results.

·  Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Plant Biochemistry or Plant Physiology is required.

·  At least 5 years of work experience in the area of plant biochemistry or physiology is required.  Work experience in industry is highly preferred.

·  A track record of scientific productivity as an individual contributor and as a small team leader as evidenced by peer reviewed publications or published patent applications, ideally both.

·  The ability to work successfully in teams with diverse scientists within and outside the business.

·  Expert in multiple areas of plant metabolism and/ or physiology as evidenced by a track record of peer reviewed publication and patenting.

·  A capable people and scientific leader.

·  Comfortable operating at both the bench and in the board room.

·  Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment of changing objectives and with significant degree of independence.

·  Experienced with intellectual property.

·  Profoundly curious, with a learning disposition.

·  A big picture thinker with a passion for the science and agriculture

·  A scientist with an eye for detail and a commitment to rigor in experiment and thought

·  An individual with a passion for growth and challenge

This is a rare opportunity to join a world-class team at the earliest stages and help shape not our science, our strategy and our long-term competitive position. You’ll work at the intersection of cutting-edge protein engineering, AI, and agriculture, with the chance to influence how breakthrough technologies become transformative products. To apply, send your CV & CL to Careers@quercusbio.com.