Chief Scientific Officer & Co-Founder

About Terra35

Terra35 Biosystems Limited is a deep-tech biotechnology company incorporated in Ireland that specializes in producing bio-identical vanilla via plant cell culture technology. Their innovative closed-loop bioreactor system replaces the conventional lengthy agricultural and post-harvest curing processes, enabling regional production to meet local demand efficiently and sustainably.

Terra35 is committed to environmental responsibility by addressing the pressures conventional food production places on the planet. Their technology targets a significantly reduced ecological footprint compared to traditional vanilla cultivation, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in industry innovation, responsible consumption, climate action, and the preservation of terrestrial ecosystems.

The company focuses on developing scalable, resilient, and geographically adaptable production models for high-value natural ingredients, beginning with vanilla, aimed at serving consumer packaged goods manufacturers and flavor houses through a B2B ingredient supply approach. Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, Terra35 has stabilized a vanilla plant cell suspension and is advancing flavor and aroma optimization with European research partners. The company participates in prominent accelerator programs and has secured initial angel investment as it prepares for further funding rounds.

Role Opportunity

The position of Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer offers a founding leadership role to take full ownership of the company’s scientific direction and development. As a founding member, the individual will receive equity, participate equally in strategic company decisions, and co-shape the company’s future.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the scientific vision, strategy, and development roadmap for the Terra35 platform.
• Set science priorities, establish milestones, and direct allocation of scientific resources.
• Manage transition of the platform from discovery through product substantiation.
• Identify and evaluate innovation opportunities for technical feasibility and strategic alignment.
• Provide scientific oversight of external research and development collaborations to ensure alignment with company goals.
• Lead the formation and direction of the scientific advisory board, recruiting senior advisors to aid validation and specialized research.
• Build and oversee the internal scientific team fostering a culture of scientific excellence and inquiry.
• Represent the company as the principal scientific leader engaging with investors, regulators, customers, and the scientific community.
• Support investor relations through presentations, due diligence, and fundraising activities.
• Provide scientific guidance for intellectual property strategy, patent matters, and regulatory compliance to substantiate products.
• Collaborate fully as a Co-Founder on overall company governance, fundraising, culture, and long-term strategy.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in plant biology, biotechnology, plant cell culture, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, bioprocess development or related fields.
• Extensive experience leading scientific initiatives in biotechnology, food tech, agricultural tech, specialty ingredients, or related sectors.
• Proven success in translating scientific concepts into commercial applications.
• Experience managing complex partnerships with research and development entities.
• Strong communication skills suitable for scientific, business, and investor audiences.

Preferred Experience:

• Background in plant cell culture or plant-based production systems.
• Familiarity with fermentation, cell cultivation, scale-up, or process development.
• Executive leadership experience in early-stage or growth companies.
• Involvement in fundraising and investor diligence processes.
• Experience establishing and chairing scientific advisory boards.

Founder Mindset:

• Aspired to build and own a company rather than merely join one, motivated by mission and equity participation.
• Comfortable handling ambiguity, rapid pace, and personal responsibility inherent to startups.
• Committed to taking full scientific accountability at a founding leadership level.

Success Metrics

Within 12-18 months, the successful candidate will have established a clear scientific vision and plan, identified and mitigated crucial scientific risks, improved investor confidence in scientific strategy, enhanced oversight of external partners, advanced technical milestones, and built a high-functioning Scientific Advisory Board and scientific team.

Founding Terms and Location

This is a founding role with meaningful equity negotiated based on contribution, following standard vesting terms. Initial compensation is equity-based, with plans for salary incorporation post-funding. The role includes full co-founder status with equal governance rights. Location is flexible though availability across European time zones for investor and partner engagements is essential.