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- Tasks: Lead fungal collection and develop innovative culturing methods for environmental impact.
- Company: Join Rhizocore, a pioneering biotech company focused on sustainable mycology.
- Benefits: Flexible working, strong focus on wellbeing, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence scientific direction in a high-growth environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate resilience and biodiversity recovery through applied mycology.
- Qualifications: MSc/PhD in Mycology or related field with strong leadership and molecular biology skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Rhizocore is an innovative biotechnology company based at Roslin Innovation Centre, developing pioneering mycorrhizal fungal technologies that improve tree establishment, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, and increase soil carbon sequestration. Following recent investment and expansion into the UK and US markets, we are now seeking an exceptional Senior / Lead Mycologist to take ownership of one of the company’s most strategically important scientific assets — our fungal strain library.
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced mycologist to combine field taxonomy, molecular biology, fungal culturing, and operational leadership in a role with real environmental impact. You will lead the strategic and operational expansion of Rhizocore’s fungal collection — sourcing, identifying, preserving, and scaling native ectomycorrhizal fungi for commercial deployment into forestry and reforestation projects.
This is not a purely lab-based role. You will move between:
- Field expeditions across the UK and internationally to collect fungal specimens
- Laboratory leadership, developing novel culturing and preservation methods
- Operational management, overseeing strain library growth, team activity, and scientific priorities
- Commercial application, helping bring cutting‑edge mycology into large‑scale forestry deployment
If you are excited by the idea of building one of the most important applied fungal libraries in Europe, this role offers a platform to do exactly that.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
- Lead fungal collection programmes in the UK and internationally
- Expand and curate Rhizocore’s living fungal strain library
- Develop innovative culturing methodologies to broaden species diversity
- Apply DNA barcoding, PCR, and molecular identification techniques
- Manage field and laboratory teams, workflows, and H&S protocols
- Maintain robust scientific records, sample traceability, and data systems
- Support media optimisation, fungal growth studies, and strain deployment strategy
- Contribute to the wider scientific and commercial direction of the business
About You
We’d love to hear from candidates with:
- MSc / PhD (or equivalent experience) in Mycology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or related discipline
- Strong fungal taxonomy and identification expertise
- Hands‑on experience in fungal isolation, aseptic culturing, and microscopy
- Molecular biology capability including DNA extraction, PCR, and barcoding
- Leadership experience managing teams, projects, or scientific operations
- Excellent organisational and expedition‑planning skills
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to travel nationally and internationally
Highly Desirable
- Experience in cryopreservation / lyophilisation / long‑term culture storage
- Media formulation and optimisation expertise
- Experience culturing difficult / uncultured fungal taxa
- Budget and project management experience
- Existing links to mycological networks or fungal recording groups
- Outdoor leadership / remote fieldwork experience
Why Join Rhizocore?
- Work on genuinely novel applied mycology
- Build solutions for climate resilience, forestry health, and biodiversity recovery
- Join a high‑growth biotech at a pivotal scale‑up stage
- Flexible working arrangements
- Strong wellbeing and development focus
- Opportunity to influence both scientific direction and operational strategy
Senior/Lead Mycologist in Edinburgh employer: Nucleus Capital I. GMBH
Contact Detail:
Nucleus Capital I. GMBH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Lead Mycologist in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the mycology field through LinkedIn or industry events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your work in fungal taxonomy, culturing methods, and any field expeditions you've led. This will help us see your hands-on experience and passion for mycology.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies like Rhizocore and express your interest in their work. We love hearing from enthusiastic candidates who want to make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of molecular biology techniques and operational management. We want to see that you’re not only knowledgeable but also ready to lead and innovate in our projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Lead Mycologist in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Mycology: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for mycology shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your love for fungi and how it aligns with our mission at Rhizocore.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior/Lead Mycologist role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially in fungal taxonomy and operational leadership.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We want to see your qualifications without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Rhizocore.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nucleus Capital I. GMBH
✨Know Your Fungi
Make sure you brush up on your fungal taxonomy and identification skills. Be prepared to discuss specific species, their habitats, and any unique characteristics. This will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about mycology.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing teams and projects, be ready to share examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully led field expeditions or lab teams, and highlight any challenges you overcame in those situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Practical Experience
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with fungal culturing and molecular biology techniques. Bring examples of past projects where you applied DNA barcoding or PCR, and explain how these skills can benefit Rhizocore’s goals.
✨Express Your Passion for Environmental Impact
Rhizocore is all about making a difference in forestry and biodiversity. Share your enthusiasm for environmental science and how your work as a mycologist can contribute to climate resilience. This will resonate well with the company’s mission.