At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fungal collection and develop innovative culturing methods for environmental impact.
- Company: Rhizocore, a pioneering biotech company focused on mycorrhizal technologies.
- Benefits: Flexible working, strong wellbeing focus, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a high-growth company at a pivotal stage with global travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate resilience and biodiversity recovery.
- Qualifications: MSc/PhD in Mycology or related field with leadership experience.
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
- 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 employer: Nucleus Capital I. GMBH
Rhizocore is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for a Senior/Lead Mycologist to make a significant environmental impact while working in a dynamic and innovative biotechnology setting at the Roslin Innovation Centre. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing and development, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to lead pioneering mycological research, Rhizocore fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a high-growth company dedicated to advancing climate resilience and biodiversity recovery through cutting-edge science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Lead Mycologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops related to mycology and biotechnology. This is your chance to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow companies like Rhizocore on LinkedIn and engage with their posts. It’s a great way to stay updated on job openings and show your interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge about fungal taxonomy and molecular biology. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how it aligns with the role at Rhizocore.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Lead Mycologist
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 Rhizocore's mission to improve tree establishment and biodiversity.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior/Lead Mycologist role. Highlight relevant skills like fungal taxonomy, molecular biology, and leadership experience. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining Rhizocore and making a difference in the field of mycology!
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 experiences have shaped your approach to mycology.
✨Be Ready for Fieldwork Questions
Given the outdoor nature of the role, expect questions about your expedition planning and fieldwork experience. Share stories that illustrate your organisational skills and adaptability in various environments, as well as your commitment to safety protocols.
