About the Job:
Location: Ponda, Bristol Office
Company: Ponda
About Ponda
Ponda is at the forefront of transforming the fashion and materials industries by developing sustainable, high-performance textiles derived from regenerative agriculture. Our flagship product, BioPuff, is an innovative insulation material made from Typha latifolia (bulrushes), a wet-farmed crop cultivated using paludiculture—a regenerative form of marsh farming. This crop-based innovation helps restore ecosystems while creating environmentally-friendly products that support a circular economy. We are expanding our team to support our growth and are looking for a highly motivated Agronomist / Crop Scientist to lead the development of cultivation techniques and strategies that will shape the future of sustainable materials.
The Role
As an Agronomist / Crop Scientist at Ponda, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by developing and optimising the cultivation practices for Typha latifolia, a novel wet-farmed crop that is central to our BioPuff product line. You will design and manage crop trials, both at the mesocosm and field scale, and contribute to the development of innovative agricultural techniques that enhance fiber quality and yield. Working alongside a cross-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and farmers, you will drive the expansion of regenerative paludiculture and work to remove the practical barriers to adoption that farmers face.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and Optimise Crop Cultivation Practices:
o Lead pioneering work to develop cultivation protocols for Typha latifolia and other novel wet-farmed crops, optimising for fiber yield, quality, and resilience under varying environmental conditions.
o Design and manage crop trials at mesocosm and field scale to assess new agronomic practices, determine best-performing varieties, and optimise harvest strategies.
o Utilise your expertise in regenerative agriculture and precision farming to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and overall crop productivity.
o Lead the development and implementation of agronomy best practices across all farming operations.
o Develop training materials and provide ongoing support to farmers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to grow crops sustainably and effectively.
* Increase Product and Fiber Quality:
o Develop and implement strategies to improve fiber quality through agricultural interventions, such as, soil management, irrigation techniques, and pest control.
o Collaborate with R&D/ manufacturing teams to translate agricultural findings into product improvements, ensuring fibers meet the necessary performance standards for BioPuff and other biobased products.
o Develop and implement a strategy to integrate innovative farming technologies, such as selective breeding, seed selection, and genomics, to improve crop characteristics like fiber length, strength, and environmental adaptability. Design and manage external projects in these areas.
* Support Regenerative Paludiculture Expansion:
o Develop strategies for MRV/ impact monitoring of paludiculture projects, providing guidance to internal and external teams building models for ecosystem services
o Research and provide guidance related to compliance with regenerative certifications and other industry standards across agriculture and textile industry
Key Skills & Qualifications
* Education:A Master’s degree (or higher) in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Crop Science, or a related field. A Ph.D. is advantageous for candidates interested in advanced research roles.
* Additional certifications or training in sustainable agriculture, regenerative farming, or environmental management are beneficial.
* Experience: 5+ years of experience in crop science, agronomy, or related fields. Hands-on experience in the cultivation of natural fiber crops (e.g., flax, hemp, cotton) is a bonus.
* Regenerative Agriculture: Extensive knowledge of regenerative farming practices
* Crop Breeding and Genetics: Experience with plant breeding, genomics, and selective breeding to improve crop resilience and physiological traits
* Field and Lab Experience: Practical expertise in managing large-scale crop trials, including both field-based and controlled environment experiments, with a strong data-driven approach to analysis.
* Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage projects from conception to execution, balancing technical, financial, and operational goals.
* Dynamic: introducing a new crop within a novel (wet!) agricultural system can be challenging and unpredictable. An ability to down tools and think laterally is crucial
* Collaborative Mindset: Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and disciplines, fostering a collaborative approach to solving complex problems.
* Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex scientific concepts and engage a variety of stakeholders, from farmers to industry experts.
* Passion for Sustainability: A strong passion for environmental sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and creating high-performance materials that contribute to a circular economy.
Why Ponda?
Joining Ponda means being part of a pioneering company that is reshaping the future of sustainable fashion and materials. This is a unique opportunity to have a direct impact on environmental restoration through the development of innovative agricultural practices. You will work in an agile, collaborative environment where your contributions will drive tangible change.
What you get in return:
* Competitive salary
* Be part of an innovative endeavour towards truly regenerative materials
* Contribute to company research direction
* Flexible working around core hours
* Cycle to work scheme
* Scale with a rapidly growing organisation, working with experienced and motivated individuals
* Birthday day off
* Dog friendly office
* Fun! We work hard, but we make sure we enjoy the process.
To Apply
If you are an experienced agronomist or crop scientist with a passion for sustainable agriculture and natural fibers, we want to hear from you! Submit your resume and cover letter today and help us transform the future of materials.
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