At Genomines, our mission is to pioneer a new era of sustainable metal production by farming plantsthat hyperaccumulate metal. Through synthetic biology and cutting-edge technology, we harness the power of nature to create plants that can farm for metals while decontaminating soils and creating cleaner lands for agriculture. Our ultimate goal is to become the world's first carbon-negative nickel producer, using sustainable, cost-competitive methods to extract the valuable resources our society needs for the energy transition.
Yellow Flower Agriculture (Pty) Ltd. (YFA), Genomines’ South African subsidiary, is responsible for launching Genomines’ first production fields (currently in Mpumalanga), advancing agronomic knowledge of our plants and overseeing local operations. YFA is led by the group Head of Operations, a former CEO in the mining industry with 15+ years of experience.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Field Scientist is responsible for the exact, protocol-driven deployment of Genomines’ laboratory-developed technologies, including genetically enhanced plants and associated microbiology, into field-based experimental plots. The role ensures that field trials are executed with laboratory-level precision, enabling the generation of hyper-reliable, interpretable data.
This position serves as the operational bridge between laboratory science and field execution. The Field Scientist ensures that experimental protocols are clearly defined, strictly adhered to, and consistently executed across field trials. They are fully accountable for the quality, integrity, and reliability of field-generated data delivered to the CTO and laboratory teams. The role reports directly to the CTO, who is based in France, and acts as her eyes and ears on the ground in South Africa.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESFIELD TRIAL DATA QUALITY AND REPORTINGOwn the reliability, validity, and interpretability of all data generated from field trials and nursery experiments.Ensure all data outputs are complete, traceable, and fit for technical interpretation by the CTO and technical leads.Verify that data collection methods, documentation, and reporting formats meet defined standards.Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent reporting of field experiment results.Maintain audit-ready documentation and data trails to support internal reviews, external audits, and technical diligence processes.
PROTOCOL DESIGN AND COMPLIANCETranslate CTO and technical lead experimental requirements into executable field and nursery protocols.Ensure experimental protocols preserve laboratory-grade rigor under field conditions.Oversee adherence to defined protocols during field execution.Document and communicate protocol deviations that could impact experimental validity.
FIELD-LAB COORDINATIONAct as the primary scientific and operational interface between field operations and laboratory-based technical teams.Maintain close working relationships with Biotech R&D, Plant Production, Microbiology, and Agronomy teams.Ensure continuous alignment between field execution and technical intent throughout the lifecycle of trials.
EXPERIMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENTIdentify risks to experimental validity or data integrity prior to and during field trials.Flag execution gaps or deviations that could compromise trial outcomes.Protect the organization from unusable or misleading field results that would undermine technical progress or funding milestones.SKILLS & EXPERIENCEQUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEBackground in agronomy and plant science is mandatory.Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in applied experimental or field-based roles; 5–10 years preferred.At least 5 years of hands-on experience conducting or overseeing field trials or applied experimental programs.Pure laboratory-based profiles are not suitable for this role.Experience in industrial or commercial organizations deploying novel biological or agricultural technologies into field environments is strongly preferred.Prior exposure to agriculture, plant science, and soil science field applications is required.Experience operating in low-infrastructure, remote, or operationally complex environments is required.
TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL COMPETENCIESDeep proficiency in experimental design, including controls, replication, and field-appropriate methodologies.Strong capability in data quality assurance, validation, and consistency checking.Ability to independently assess data reliability and determine whether experimental outputs are fit for technical decision-making.Practical experience translating experimental protocols into executable field procedures without loss of scientific rigor.Familiarity with field trial documentation, data logging, and reporting standards.
SOFT SKILLSHigh degree of discipline and attention to detail in experimental execution and data handling.Strong judgment and scientific integrity, with willingness to challenge flawed execution or questionable data.Ability to operate autonomously in the field while maintaining strict alignment with technical leadership.Clear, structured communicator capable of interfacing with both field teams and senior technical stakeholders.Comfortable operating as a senior individual contributor without people management responsibility.
