At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fungal collection and develop innovative culturing methods for environmental impact.
- Company: Rhizocore, a pioneering biotech firm focused on mycorrhizal technologies.
- Benefits: Flexible working, strong focus on wellbeing, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a high-growth company at a pivotal stage with international travel opportunities.
- 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.
The Opportunity
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
- Media formulation and optimisation expertise
- 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: Rhizocore Technologies
Rhizocore is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of biotechnology, focusing on innovative mycorrhizal fungal technologies with real environmental impact. Located at the Roslin Innovation Centre, the company fosters a collaborative and flexible work culture, prioritising employee wellbeing and professional development. As a Senior/Lead Mycologist, you will not only lead groundbreaking research but also have the chance to influence the strategic direction of a high-growth biotech firm dedicated to climate resilience and biodiversity recovery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Lead Mycologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the mycology and biotechnology fields through LinkedIn or industry events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships 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
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your vision for expanding a fungal strain library and how you can contribute to Rhizocore’s mission. We want to hear your ideas on innovative culturing methodologies and operational strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Rhizocore.
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 our mission at Rhizocore.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your unique skills fit into our vision!
Highlight Leadership Experience:Since this role involves managing teams and projects, be sure to emphasise any leadership experience you have. Share examples of how you've successfully led initiatives or guided teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rhizocore Technologies
✨Know Your Fungi
Make sure you brush up on your fungal taxonomy and identification skills. Be prepared to discuss specific species, their habitats, and their ecological roles. 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 innovative methodologies you've developed.
✨Demonstrate Your Practical Experience
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with fungal isolation, culturing, and molecular techniques like DNA barcoding and PCR. Bring along any relevant data or results from your previous work to back up your claims.
✨Be Ready for Fieldwork Scenarios
Given the outdoor nature of the role, think about potential challenges you might face during field expeditions. Be ready to discuss your planning strategies, safety protocols, and how you would handle unexpected situations in the field.
