Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
Company: Bionema Group
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Job Type: Fixed-term (Start 1st March 2025)
Work Permit: Candidates must have the right to work in the UK or be eligible for a sponsored work visa.
About Bionema Group Ltd.
Bionema is a leading UK-based biocontrol technology company specialising in biological solutions for crop protection and plant health. As a 2024 King’s Award winner in Innovation, we are revolutionising sustainable agriculture.
The company is developing a novel biofilm-based biofertiliser that will reduce synthetic fertiliser use by 40-50%, increase crop yields by 20-30%, and improve soil health—aligning with the UK’s net-zero strategy and sustainable farming goals.
Role Overview
We seek an experienced Biostimulants & Biofertilizers Research Scientist to join our team immediately and contribute to an industry-first biofilm-based biofertiliser. This is an exciting, short-term, high-impact project with the potential for future collaboration and career progression within Bionema.
Key Responsibilities
· Research & Development
o Develop and optimise biofilm-based biofertiliser formulations.
o Select and characterise PGPR strains (e.g., Rhizobium sp., Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp.) for soil and plant applications.
o Optimize microbial formulations for nutrient uptake, plant growth promotion, and soil health enhancement.
· Product Formulation & Testing
o Develop water-dispersible granules (WDG) and encapsulated formulations.
o Conduct lab-based stability, efficacy, and biofilm formation studies.
o Test sprayability and application compatibility with farm equipment.
· Field Trials & Data Analysis
o Design and execute field trials on wheat, potatoes, soft fruits, and ornamentals in collaboration with UK farmers.
o Analyze soil microbiome changes, plant nutrient uptake, and crop yield.
o Assess product performance under different soil and climate conditions.
· Regulatory & Commercialization Support
o Assist in regulatory approvals and GEP trials.
o Support market launch strategies and engagement with industry partners.
Requirements
Essential:
- MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Soil Science, Plant Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Experience with biostimulants, biofertilisers, or microbial formulations.
- Strong knowledge of PGPR, biofilms, and soil microbial interactions.
- Hands-on experience formulating microbial-based agricultural products (WDG, encapsulation, liquid formulations).
- Proficiency in data analysis, experimental design, and field trial assessments.
- Ability to start immediately and work in the UK.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of UK/EU regulations for biostimulants, biofertilisers, and microbial-based agricultural products.
- Experience in biological product commercialisation and regulatory compliance.
- Familiarity with DEFRA’s sustainability initiatives, soil health regulations, and EU biofertiliser policies.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work on a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind biofilm-based biofertiliser.
- Collaborative environment with leading researchers, agronomists, and industry partners.
- Competitive salary with the potential for future employment at Bionema.
- Networking and conference opportunities within the UK agricultural biotechnology sector.
- Exposure to global agricultural markets through commercial partnerships.
Contact Details
- Start Date: Immediate (as soon as possible)
- End Date: 28th February 2025
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for the right candidate
How to Apply
Submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and suitability for the role to info@bionema.com.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
