Principal Plant Scientist / CSO (depending on experience)

Acer Resources is a startup developing the next generation of multi-tonnes per day vertical farms, growing perfect fruit and vegetables in precisely controlled conditions under LED lights. Our founding team is building on the domain expertise we developed delivering two vertical farms in Japan, with one growing 3-tonnes of leafy greens per day, and the other growing 4-tonnes per day. We can work from first principles to develop and integrate the technologies and cultivation treatments needed for mass-market customers in the UK and beyond.

We’re developing the technologies directly at large-scale in simulation before we build, ensuring that our multi-tonnes per day farms can deliver the cultivation processes developed in the lab to the required precision. In production, we use the simulation as the foundation for a full digital twin of the farm and employ AI to continuously seek improvements in the cultivation process.

Acer is in stealth mode, but our progress is confirmed by significant grant funding, including from Innovate UK and the Freeport East Clean Growth Fund, and the quality of our partners, which include engineers at PhysicsX, Imperial College, B-PHOT Photonics, and the University of Essex. We are working with a multinational corporate sponsor to derisk the delivery of our first farm in 2025.

Our mission is to revolutionise fresh produce supply chains, turning them from a significant source of climate change into part of the climate solution, and to grow the most delicious, nutritious fresh food that helps improve the health of the nation. Our farms enable local, year-round production that minimises food miles, and because we grow pesticide-free in a clean environment, our produce can be ready-to-eat without the need for an industrial wash, meaning it stays fresher for longer, lowering waste. We use a tiny fraction of the water and nutrients, and there’s no run-off. By only using renewable energy, our produce can be carbon neutral.

We are looking for a capable and enthusiastic Principal Plant Scientist to join our team. You will be responsible for developing the cultivation treatments that the performance of our farms relies on, ensuring that the latest academic research and commercial know-how is incorporated into the design of Acer’s cultivation processes. You will manage and deliver Acer’s 2025/26 cultivation trials at the new Smart Technology Experimental Plant Suite (STEPS) at the University of Essex, working closely with Professor Tracy Lawson.

The role is remote, but you should be able to travel to the trials regularly. You will collaborate with Acer’s engineers to ensure that the design and specification of our farms can deliver the full range of potential cultivation treatments to the precise tolerances required. You will also work with scientists at our partners to optimise the cultivation treatment for their novel varieties as we move towards commercial production.

What will you bring to the table:

• The necessary background knowledge in plant science, possibly a PhD or postdoc in Plant Biology, Physiology, Horticulture, or Plant Breeding, or a Masters with commercial experience.
• Experience in controlled environment agriculture is valuable, but not essential.
• A growth mindset, critical for our innovative approach.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify causes and recommend solutions.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with Acer’s founders, engineers, and world-leading partners.

What we offer:

• Be part of something larger: Make an impact and shape an early-stage company.
• Work on one of the most exciting and important parts of the climate solution.
• Collaborate with a supportive and challenging group of colleagues.
• Work in a flat hierarchy where your ideas are encouraged.
• Receive competitive compensation based on experience.

We value diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We strongly encourage individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in tech to apply. Please introduce yourself and attach a copy of your CV. We look forward to hearing from you.