At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a groundbreaking pest control venture focused on eco-friendly solutions.
- Company: Join Deep Science Ventures, a leader in innovative science-based companies.
- Benefits: Receive a competitive salary, equity stake, and ongoing support post-launch.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and access extensive resources to launch your venture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security and ecological health.
- Qualifications: Must have previous founder and C-suite experience, with a passion for innovation.
Join us to build a new venture eliminating off-target toxicity from agrochemicals by scaling next generation insecticides and pest control. We’re seeking an experienced entrepreneur to found and spin out a company focused on species-targeted, durable pest control without off-target ecological or human health impacts. The role is full-time, remote initially until venture incorporation and spin-out (circa end of Q1 2027), location TBD.
ABOUT DSV
Deep Science Ventures (DSV) is on a mission to create a future in which both humans and the planet can thrive. We use our unique venture creation process to create, spin-out, and invest in science companies, combining available scientific knowledge and founder-type scientists into high-impact ventures. Operating in four sectors—Pharmaceuticals, Climate, Agriculture, and Computation—we tackle the challenges defining these areas by taking a first principles approach and partnering with leading institutions.
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GRANTHAM FOUNDATION
Driven by mutual conviction in the huge unmet need to eliminate off-target toxicity from agrochemicals, DSV has partnered with the Grantham Foundation to accelerate the development of non-toxic alternatives to pesticides (herbicides and insecticides).
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for future Founders: entrepreneurially-minded individuals with deep technical and commercial domain expertise, who are eager to solve urgent unmet challenges through venture building. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of agtech, leading a company solving challenges in off-target toxicity from insecticides.
You will join DSV’s venture creation programme as a Co-founder-in-Residence and work closely with the DSV and Grantham Foundation teams to spin out the new company. During the programme you will refine, improve and complement existing scoping work on:
- The technical thesis for pest control that is scalable, durable and effective without off-target effects;
- Commercial neglect (IP strategy, differentiation, competition);
- Value proposition (market, value capture, techno-economics);
- Regulatory strategy & positioning;
- Fundraising strategy & pitching;
- Optimising company strategy for the most rapid and derisked path to Series A.
Preparation for Investment Committee (IC) will involve fulfilling our investment criteria, recruiting advisory and co-founding team members, and parallel fundraising for additional expansion funds. Assuming success at IC, you will receive pre-seed investment from DSV and Grantham Foundation, and spinout the company in 2027. You and your co-founders will own a significant stake in the business and continue receiving support post-spinout.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Conventional insecticides - spanning from neonicotinoids to organochlorines - are a double-edged sword. They play a vital role in shielding crops from pests but can wreak havoc beyond their targets. Pollinators like bees and butterflies, vital to 75% of global food crops, are in free fall - some bee populations have declined by over 43% in high-insecticide regions due to lethal and sublethal exposures that impair navigation, immunity, and reproduction. Pest resistance to widely used small molecules is also a growing phenomenon, straining our available toolkit for safeguarding yields. This threatens both global food security and biodiversity. Beyond ecosystems, these chemicals can also cause acute intoxication, cancer, neurodegeneration, infertility, and hormonal disruptions in humans, driven by oxidative stress, DNA damage, and systemic inflammation - a problem being increasingly recognised especially in exposed rural populations.
The transferability of these insecticides - spreading through soil, water, and trophic chains - amplifies their devastation, making sustainable alternatives non-negotiable. Improved insect controls have already shown scientific and commercial traction at the proof of concept level. For example, semiochemical approaches have shown commercial success in disrupting pest mating patterns, while novel biological modes of action such as peptides illustrate the scope to achieve species-specific pesticidal targeting. However, the ability of novel modes of action to disrupt the incumbent agrochemical market remains relatively limited. Among the most important constraints in scaling adoption are high costs, coverage limitations, delivery efficacy, and risks of evolutionary ‘escape’. For example, the effective dose required for RNA-based controls remain an order of magnitude away from small molecules, while Bt crops - arguably the most prominent precision insecticide technology to date - have demonstrated a decline in efficacy after multiple growth seasons due to evolved resistance.
We imagine a future where we can protect crops without decimating ecosystems, collapsing food chains, or endangering human health. This is the vision driving our venture creation in this opportunity space: reimagining pest control to build a thriving agricultural sector that aligns with ecological and human health.
Our preliminary scoping of the area indicates high potential to develop approaches that meet our desired outcome: pest control that is scalable, durable, and effective without off-target effects. Emerging technologies, from crop-based RNAi and antiviral strategies through to endophytic microbial biocontrols, provide a set of promising tools that could provide the foundations for commercially viable propositions. However, each approach presents outstanding constraints that require solving. We believe that advances in diverse sectors, spanning from bioprocessing and genetic engineering through to AI and precision agriculture tools, mean that it is the ideal time to tackle these barriers.
Requirements
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Essential Values
- You are highly motivated by unsolved challenges in insect pest control, and driven to challenge the status quo in agrochemicals.
- You are impact driven, take the initiative, make things happen, and think from a first principles perspective to figure out what’s really needed.
- You have clear entrepreneurial spirit and mindset, demonstrated through impactful innovation, and an ability to work in ambiguous, unstructured but fast-paced, demanding and pressurised environments.
- Collaborative nature, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Essential experience (must-have)
- Previous Founder experience.
- Previous C-suite experience.
- Previous fundraising experience (from VCs).
- Commercial & BD expertise (licensing, partnering, collaborations).
- Strong track record of building and leading successful teams.
Preferred experience (nice-to-have)
- Core science depth (PhD or equivalent industry R&D know-how) in genomics, molecular biology, entomology, plant pathology, virology (or similar), with breadth across technological areas relevant for next generation pest control.
- Translational execution: e.g. taking traits/actives from discovery to field efficacy, managing CRO/CDMO programs, building regulator/investor/customer-ready data packages; and/or partnership development (growers, CROs/CDMOs, suppliers) and scalable IP strategy.
- Cross-functional ownership across: R&D - Product - Regulatory - IP, evidenced by shipped results (trial outcomes, submissions, patents, launches); and/or EPA/EU experience and GLP study planning/oversight; or design of pivotal field trials supporting registration.
Benefits
OUR OFFER
By joining DSV, you’ll be joining a team of operators who have founded companies and led translation of science at some of the most respected universities, charities, funds and government agencies. Our team dedicate several hours every week to each Founder or founding team to provide tailored guidance, resources and feedback covering every aspect of what it takes to successfully launch a new venture from both the tech and commercial perspectives:
- We provide optimised, purpose-built, proprietary tools, resources and processes to help create high-impact ventures from scratch, using our venture creation methodology.
- DSV and Grantham Foundation's extensive network incl. leaders of biotech VCs, technical & commercial domain expertise, and wide-ranging portfolio company capabilities.
- We jointly provide an initial £250k (~$340k / €290k) investment governed by our Investment Committee to incorporate the new venture and develop early proof-of-concept data that is often needed to attract high profile non-venture studio VCs.
- You and your co-founder(s) together will own the majority equity stake in the company.
- We provide minimum guaranteed income of £4,166 per month (fixed), paid to each Founder as a consultancy fee until the company is launched and pre-seed investment is secured.
- We provide continuous support post spin-out, including fundraising, commercial partnerships, recruitment and team-building.
Co-founder in Residence, Next generation insecticides and pest control employer: Deep Science Ventures
Deep Science Ventures is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant City of Westminster, offering a unique opportunity for a Co-founder & CEO to shape the future of deep tech. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from a dynamic work culture that fosters growth and creativity, alongside access to a global network of investors and a genuine equity stake. This role not only promises meaningful impact but also positions you at the forefront of technological advancement in a supportive and ambitious environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Co-founder in Residence, Next generation insecticides and pest control
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Deep Science Ventures often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Co-founder in Residence, Next generation insecticides and pest control
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Deep Science Ventures does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Deep Science Ventures
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Deep Science Ventures will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Deep Science Ventures.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Deep Science Ventures.
