Formulation Scientist – Biological Molluscicides for Net Zero Agriculture
Formulation Scientist – Biological Molluscicides for Net Zero Agriculture
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Building a £500M Biocontrol Company | CEO, Bionema Group | King’s Award for Innovation Winner | Scientist Turned Entrepreneur | Replacing…
Duration: Full-time | 12-month fixed-term
Start Date: October 2025
Reports To: Principal Investigator / Project Manager
About the Role
We seek a motivated and detail-oriented Formulation Scientist to support the development of the world’s first systemic biological molluscicide. This pioneering product, based on Lolines derived from Epichloë-infected meadow fescue, offers a breakthrough alternative to conventional slug and snail control methods, contributing to the UK's Net Zero targets and sustainable food production.
You will work as part of a cross-disciplinary team across Bionema, Swansea University, and industry partners to optimise the prill-based formulation, conduct bioassays, and support field deployment in potatoes, cereals, and horticultural crops.
Key Responsibilities
·Lead formulation trials using endophytic grass biomass and natural excipients to produce flowable, rain-fast prill pellets.
·Optimise mixing, extrusion, drying, coating, and stability conditions at lab and pilot scales (1–20 kg batches).
·Conduct HPLC and LC-MS analysis of loline alkaloids for quality control and batch validation.
·Collaborate with toxicologists and agronomists to ensure non-toxicity, plant compatibility, and soil health alignment.
·Work with engineers and application specialists to assess flowability, ballistic properties, and applicator compatibility (drill, spreader, etc.).
·Support in-house and outsourced bioassays against Deroceras reticulatum and other key pests.
·Maintained documentation for regulatory approval and prepared data packages for DEFRA/CRD registration.
Required Qualifications and Experience
·MSc or PhD in Formulation Science, Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Biotechnology, or Plant Protection.
·Proven hands-on experience in granule or prill formulation, preferably in agrochemicals or biopesticides.
·Familiarity with natural product extraction, bioassays, and analytical chemistry techniques (HPLC, NMR, LC-MS).
·Ability to work with cross-functional teams, including engineers, toxicologists, and growers.
·Excellent problem-solving, time management, and written communication skills.
·Extensive industry experience working on Innovate UK, DEFRA, or EU-funded R&D projects.
·Prior research involving endophytes.
·Background in biological pest control or secondary metabolites,
·Knowledge of mollusc biology and pest management in arable crops.
·Experience in regulatory dossier preparation (UK or EU).
What We Offer
·Be part of a ground-breaking innovation contributing to climate-smart farming.
·Work in a dynamic R&D team with exposure to industry-leading expertise.
·Opportunities for publication, IP contribution, and career progression.
·Contribution to a sustainable, zero-residue, pollinator-safe technology.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to:
For informal enquiries, please Contact Prof (Dr) Minshad Ansari, CEO of Bionema Group, via LinkedIn or email.
A person must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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