Head of Science (Sustainability Industry)

Your tasks

Job Overview Client is seeking an experienced Head of Science to lead its scientific strategy and ensure the credibility, quality and integrity of its carbon removal portfolio.

As a key member of the founding team, you will oversee the evaluation of carbon removal projects, develop measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) frameworks, and establish robust methodologies for assessing carbon removal and biodiversity outcomes.

This role offers an opportunity to build the scientific foundation of an emerging climate-tech business, working closely with the CEO, project developers, investors and corporate customers.

• Carbon Removal Assessment: Conduct scientific due diligence on carbon removal projects, evaluating additionality, permanence, durability, leakage risks and overall project integrity.
• MRV Framework Development: Design and implement measurement, reporting and verification frameworks to ensure carbon removal claims are scientifically defensible and verifiable.
• Biodiversity Monitoring: Develop biodiversity MRV frameworks, including baselines, monitoring protocols and assessment methodologies using tools such as remote sensing, environmental DNA (eDNA), acoustic monitoring and field surveys.
• Portfolio Management: Build and manage a diversified portfolio of carbon removal projects, balancing quality, cost, permanence, risk and environmental co-benefits.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluate biodiversity and ecosystem benefits across nature-based projects, including forestry, blue carbon and biochar initiatives.
• Climate Integrity Standards: Ensure alignment with recognised carbon market standards and frameworks, including ICVCM Core Carbon Principles, Oxford Offsetting Principles and relevant ISO guidance.
• Industry Engagement: Establish relationships with carbon registries, standards organisations and project developers, and represent the company at relevant industry and policy forums.
• Technical Communication: Translate complex scientific concepts into clear, credible materials for customers, investors, commercial partners and internal stakeholders.
• Investor and Partnership Support: Lead scientific and technical due diligence for fundraising, corporate partnerships and strategic collaborations.
• Research and Innovation: Monitor developments in carbon removal technologies, climate science, biodiversity standards and carbon market regulations.
• Team Leadership: Build, lead and develop the scientific and technical team as the company grows.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in a relevant discipline, such as climate science, environmental science, atmospheric science, ecology, conservation biology, biogeochemistry or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in carbon markets, carbon removal or MRV, gained through a project developer, registry, standards organisation, research institution or carbon-focused company.
• Strong understanding of carbon removal methodologies, including DACCS, biochar, ARR and blue carbon.
• In-depth knowledge of biodiversity science and applied ecology, with practical experience developing biodiversity baselines, monitoring protocols and MRV frameworks for at least one nature-based project type.
• Familiarity with recognised biodiversity frameworks and standards, such as CCB Standards, SBTN, TNFD and IUCN guidance.
• Understanding of corporate greenhouse gas accounting, particularly the GHG Protocol Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions framework.
• Strong analytical, scientific assessment and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate scientific research into practical project-level metrics.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently in an early-stage startup environment, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
• A strong commitment to climate integrity, credible carbon removal and measurable environmental impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• Established relationships with carbon removal project developers, registries or standards organisations.
• Experience contributing to carbon market methodologies, standards development or climate policy.
• Previous experience in an early-stage startup or founding-team environment.
• Experience developing scientific teams, processes or technical functions from the ground up.

Other

*Employment Type: Full-Time Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Seniority:** Senior Leadership / Founding Team

Other Information

• EA License Name & License Number: SMTP Consult Pte. Ltd. (23C1754)
• EA Personnel Name & Registration Number: Keith Wong (R24125987)