Senior Environmental Scientist

Holganix is seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist to lead research initiatives that validate and optimize their soil microbial products. The role involves collaborating with academic partners, overseeing scientific studies, and developing environmental products, including carbon credits. The position requires a PhD and offers a hybrid work arrangement, with a preference for candidates in Kansas City or Philadelphia. Strong project management and communication skills are essential.
Senior Environmental Scientist

About Holganix

The Holganix team is searching for a Senior Environmental Scientist to lead our brand and growth strategy across our agriculture and sustainability markets.  

At Holganix, we revolutionize the way the world grows by manufacturing and distributing a liquid microbial solution (think of it as a probiotic for soil) to primarily farmers (but also landscapers, golf courses, and performance turf users) across America and Canada. Our solution dramatically increases soil health, ultimately improving crop yield and reducing the need for other inputs like fertilizer, pesticides, and water. Additionally, our solution significantly impacts carbon sequestration in the soil and improves the carbon intensity score of a crop. 

We strive to be a diverse and connected team of humble and confident problem solvers who are excited as our team and mission grow! Thanks to our farmers, we are growing fast, and you’ll be at the center of helping us scale operations and streamline our internal infrastructure. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a PhD-level Senior Environmental Scientist to join our dynamic team and lead scientific research initiatives that validate and optimize our soil microbial products. This role represents a unique opportunity to bridge cutting-edge agricultural science with real-world environmental impact, working at the forefront of soil health innovation and environmental commodity credit development.

Location: Hybrid with preference for Kansas City or Philadelphia

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership & Collaboration
• Lead and coordinate scientific studies including with external academic partners to understand the mechanisms and impacts of Holganix products on soil microbial communities, water retention, soil organic carbon, nutritional density and pest resistances
• Design and oversee research protocols that demonstrate product efficacy in improving soil health metrics
• Manage relationships with university research teams and external scientific collaborators

Product Development
• Work to develop Holganix product offerings for both the agricultural and environmental businesses
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Holganix to refine and develop environmental products, including soil carbon credits and water credits
• Define the scientific framework and rigor required for various environmental product offerings
• Ensure products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Work with research and development of agricultural products

Carbon Credit Methodology & Analysis
• Refine and optimize carbon crediting methodologies to maximize farmer participation and environmental impact
• Conduct comprehensive data analysis to support product development and validation
• Develop scientific documentation and protocols for carbon sequestration measurement and verification

Scientific Communication & Strategy
• Strong project management abilities with experience leading multi-stakeholder research initiatives
• Experience managing and mentoring scientific staff, research teams, technical or non-technical personnel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse, cross-functional teams
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate scientific insights into business applications

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience
• PhD in Soil Science, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or closely related field
• Demonstrated experience in soil health research, soil microbiology, or environmental benefits quantification
• Previous experience working in non-academic settings (industry, consulting, government agencies, or applied research organizations)

Technical Expertise
• Deep understanding of soil microbial ecosystems and their interactions with agricultural practices
• Experience with water management and conservation principles in agricultural systems
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation
• Knowledge of carbon sequestration processes and measurement methodologies

Skills & Competencies
• Strong project management abilities with experience leading multi-stakeholder research initiatives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, growing business
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate scientific insights into business applications

Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge of carbon credit markets and environmental credit systems
• Background in agricultural economics or farm-level impact assessment
• Familiarity with precision agriculture technologies and data systems
• Experience working directly with farmers or agricultural stakeholders
• Track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to travel for various company events and relevant conferences
• Demonstrated management of projects or programs from creation to implementation

More About Us
• We have a patented process to create the most diverse microbial soil solution on the market. The data and studies show remarkable results as Holganix solution restores life to soil.
• We are committed to developing sustainable agriculture. For us, that means crafting products by nature for nature. It also means helping farmers build more profitable farms and more profitable soils. Farmers get a return on using our products in just one season, all while building the long-term health of their soil so they leave their land better than how they inherited it.
• We are hyper-focused on integrity and trust. Farmers have been sold a lot of snake oil and we are fanatically committed to providing honest data, honest testimonials, and transparency.
• Gratitude is at the center of everything we do. As a team, we recognize the abundance of opportunity around us and are dedicated to focusing on all of the things around us for which we can be thankful.
• We work in a dedicated fashion to develop our teams and ourselves with high levels of transparency, creativity, positivity, and curiosity. We are learners and creators who use an ever-evolving set of tools to help us develop as humans and make our teams more efficient and fun.
• The folks we partner with should fit our core values. These core values include:
• Gratitude – An attitude of gratitude builds resiliency, creativity, and opportunity. When faced with difficulty, we ask “what is the gift in this?”
• Flow – Flow is living with trust, hope, and joy. We focus on what we’re for, not what we’re against, keeping obstacles (the “rocks in the flow”) out of the way.
• Love – We love what we do, who we do it for (partners, planet, stakeholders), and who we do it with.
• Creator Mindset – We are a community of creators, not passengers, nor victims. We ask, “what do we want?” and then make it happen.
• Win-Win – We value the success of each other and our partners as much as our own. We persist in uncovering that “extra something” that ensures a meaningful win for everyone. Collaboration, openness, and abundance drive us forward to create shared success for all.

Benefits and Perks
• Holganix offers competitive, employer supported benefit plans including health, dental, vision, a 401k with a 3% employer contribution, parental leave, education benefits and life insurance. We are relentless in looking for ways to improve our employees’ lives, in and out of the office, so these plans are ever improving, be sure to ask more! We believe in hiring great people that make good decisions. We trust that you will dress the part when the situation arises (and we love our t-shirts too!). We are a community and family-oriented culture--it’s in our roots. We embrace ad-hoc lunches and healthy engagement with our families, friends, pets, and little ones.

Intrigued? Curious? Excited? Send your resume to Recruitment@Holganix.com

Holganix is an equal opportunity employer. Holganix does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identify, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We believe in treating all with kindness, trust, and respect.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:
• Bonus opportunities

Schedule:
• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lenexa, KS 66219