Plant Biologist​/bio-feedstock

BP Energy is seeking a Senior Plant Biologist for their San Diego, CA location. This role involves providing technical expertise in bioenergy feedstock projects, collaborating with various teams, and addressing challenges in crop development and management. Candidates should have a relevant advanced degree and experience in plant biology, biotechnology, and sustainability. The position focuses on innovation in low carbon technologies and requires strong collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
Position: Plant Biologist (bio-feedstock)
Entity:
Technology Job Family Group:
Research & Technology Group

Job Description:

Join us in creating, growing, and delivering innovation to reimagine energy for people and our planet. The Technology team develops, and scales low carbon technologies needed to meet the world’s energy demand whilst simultaneously decarbonizing bp’s operations and products.

The advanced bio & physical sciences for low carbon energy (AB&PS) team is the central research organization for biosciences, chemistry, materials sciences, biofuels, green hydrogen/ electrochemistry, and the science of carbon-capture. Our team also incorporates computational modelling of biosciences and chemistry.

The opportunity is for a Senior Plant Biologist which will act as technical guide in feed stocks and will work closely with the AB&PS science teams and other collaborators across the bp businesses on bioenergy projects.

The successful candidate will provide technical expertise to support the scientific and technology projects to investigate and implement feedstock insights and solutions for bp. The post holder will examine, research and provide insight into both opportunities and challenges related to crop development, management, output and quality. Additionally, they will serve as an interface between bio-feed stocks production opportunities and conversion strategies.

Key accountabilities

Support bioenergy feedstock projects by applying technical expertise and know-how to see opportunities and work with the technology development teams to evaluate economics and sustainability and develop business and participation frameworks.

Provide technical expertise through:

Understanding of plant biology, plant physiology, biotechnology, plant breeding and other crop development technologies. Experience in trait development and/or biological mechanisms that regulate important plant processes and impact growth and development desired

Assisting with plant sourcing, testing and selection

Understanding of growing climate threats such as drought events or adverse precipitation patterns, decreases in biodiversity and loss of fertile soils on the future of bio-feed stocks Provide technology strategy and roadmap directions to AB&PS research and innovation programs on bio-feed stocks to ensure alignment with bp’s strategy. Collaborate with other teams in bp including other groups in Applied Sciences, Trading & Shipping, Customers & Products, Gas & Low Carbon Energy, Strategy, Sustainability & Ventures, and Production & Operations.

Develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with academic and industrial partners and industry & Government bodies, to bring new scientific ideas into bp and build bp’s access/participation in relevant technologies, share technology information and thought leadership, and recommend how to enhance value.

Essential criteria and qualifications:

MA/MS/PhD in subject areas such as Plant Biology, Botany, Plant Genetics, Agronomy, Agriculture or related field with 5+ years of experience (or bachelor’s with relevant experience).In-depth knowledge of bio-feed stocks, and plant physiology, including experience with conversion technologies or low carbon product innovation. Understand the interdependence of feedstock production and its utilization.

Evaluate feed stocks based on potential for upgrading (including characteristics of cost, quantity, quality, agronomic performance, biomass recalcitrance). Support economic and sustainability evaluations for a range of feedstock options in the production of bioenergy.
Experienced in feedstock opportunity origination, developing new feed stocks, either directly or via academic or third-party partners, assessing technology readiness level (TRL) and developing technology strategy & roadmap.

Outstanding inter-disciplinary problem solving and critical thinking skills, with a passion for scientific innovation and low carbon technology. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with technical and non-technical collaborators.

Experience and ability to work efficiently in a multi-tasking, fast pace, and matrix environment, with skills on…