Strategy Associate, R&D

Strategy Associate - R&D

About Loam

At Loam, we’re using the world’s smallest organisms to solve the world’s biggest problems. We focus on developing a deep understanding of the microbial world. Through harnessing the power of microbes, we can both address climate change and create value for agriculture and farmers. By developing a better understanding of how microbes influence the carbon cycle, we are creating new planetary-scale opportunities for atmospheric CO2 removal and improvements in agricultural productivity.

About the role

This high-impact role has a broad mandate to provide strategic and analytical support for Loam’s global R&D teams. You will help develop and drive a number of initiatives within R&D that enable greater organisational effectiveness. You will support and challenge our leaders to make critical, long-term decisions and our researchers to design and manage successful projects. This is a great opportunity to extend your professional ceiling while working in a global startup addressing the climate crisis.

About you

You have strong business judgement, problem solving, and critical thinking skills, with experience helping companies identify improvements in their core business and change behaviours. You have a strong bias for using data to support decision making, with the ability to interpret and translate data into actionable insights for a range of stakeholders. You respect the scientific process and will be able to understand gaps and risks in our research programme. You are comfortable with ambiguity and change, and are able to communicate at executive level and throughout the business.

Responsibilities

• Goal setting: Help set, cascade and operationalise organisation-wide goal setting using quarterly Objectives and Key Results, working with members of the top executive.
• Data-driven problem solving: Analyse complex issues, integrate diverse sources of data and expertise, identify potential solutions and create structures to guide decision making.
• Communicating: Draft proposals and refine messaging for external and internal stakeholders. Build and deploy scalable systems and processes to keep the Loam Bio R&D leadership team moving at pace. Assess inquiries directed to the Chief Product Officer, determine the proper course of action and delegate to the appropriate individual to manage.
• Vision and innovation: Act as a key thought partner and advisor to the Chief Product Officer and Loam Bio leadership team, closely collaborating to advance the Loam product portfolio.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in management consulting, strategy and operations or related experience
• MSc or equivalent in Microbiology, Agriculture, Soil Science, Plant Science or a related field
• Ability to thrive in uncertainty and desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment
• A growth mindset focusing on learning and continuous improvement
• You have a positive attitude towards problem-solving - you’re energised by the prospect of partnering with key stakeholders to navigate challenges and drive initiatives forward
• Highly structured working style, strong numerical/quantitative capabilities
• Exceptional attention to detail while keeping strategic priorities top of mind
• Exceptional Excel / Google Sheets / data management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to build consensus across stakeholders

Benefits

• A competitive package based on experience
• Learning and development opportunities and dedicated budget to support skill development and broader career progression
• Work alongside leading scientists and innovators in an international organisation
• An opportunity to create a real and tangible impact on climate change and improve agricultural health
• A day off for your birthday

As part of the Loam Bio. team, everyone is expected to:

• Be a self-starter, but to ask when uncertain.
• Be open to feedback and committed to learning.
• Be a proactive communicator — we want you to be able to articulate a problem or an idea in a manner that is clear, timely and constructive.
• Treat your colleagues with unconditional respect and regard, while identifying areas where you can help others, or share your knowledge.
• Take accountability and pride in your work, whilst being an advocate for Loam Bio
• Take accountability for growing and progressing the organisation