About SPUN

The Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) was founded in 2021 with a mission to map, protect, and harness the planet’s critical fungal networks. We are building the most comprehensive atlas of Earth’s mycorrhizal biodiversity, scaling and accelerating the speed of science around mycorrhizal fungi.

SPUN conducts scientific research to understand the diversity and functions of mycorrhizal fungi — the microscopic, network-forming, underground fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots. Our team of scientists and advisors includes the world's leading mycorrhizal fungi experts. We use our findings to educate individuals, companies, landowners, and governments on the importance of protecting and managing underground ecosystems. In collaboration with researchers and local communities, we are accelerating efforts to protect the underground ecosystems that have been largely absent from conservation and climate agendas, and exploring the impacts of mycorrhizal fungi in global restoration projects.

Why SPUN?

Work at the forefront of fungal science. We invite you to join SPUN's team of scientists and thought-leaders who are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to protect our planet. SPUN prides itself on developing new techniques and pushing the frontiers of fungal biology from the micro-level to the global scale. We have been cited in the world's leading press and scientific journals for our groundbreaking work.

Develop partnerships with other leading institutes around the world. Applications of cutting edge research are limited without deep and collaborative partnerships. SPUN works hard to build partnerships with leading institutes in conservation, climate, and community-led action to build collective impact within our fields. We are looking to build a team of innovative, creative, and impact-driven myconauts who want to help bring our core science to the next level.

Contribute to decolonizing science. We aim to lead by example in promoting diversity and decolonial science. We are actively working to address biases in mycorrhizal science and endeavor to center the wellbeing of most affected people and areas in our research. In this regard, we prioritize under-researched areas and collaborators in the Global South for our work, while providing capacity-building grants and partnership opportunities with local researchers. We are also actively working with Indigenous communities in Chile and Ecuador, and will continue to expand our partnerships with other Indigenous communities, to integrate non-western Science ways of knowing into our work.

Work with a global team. SPUN’s team members operate from various locations worldwide, embracing remote work for flexibility and work-life balance. Our team’s global presence aligns with our research expeditions, which have taken us to remote ecoregions in Tierra del Fuego, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Corsica, the Atacama, and the Galapagos Islands.

About the Role

As Biodiversity Conservation Strategist at SPUN, you will play a crucial role in translating our groundbreaking mycorrhizal network data into actionable strategies for environmental protection, conservation, and restoration. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing our impact roadmap, focusing on two key pathways:

1. Influencing environmental policy and law to protect critical mycorrhizal systems and recognize the contributions of local guardians.
2. Transforming conservation decision-making to prioritize the current state and future prospects of mycorrhizal systems.

You will act as a bridge between our scientific research and real-world application, working closely with our Managing Director to ensure our datasets and analyses are effectively integrated into global climate and biodiversity frameworks, conservation practices, and restoration efforts.

About You

• 7+ years of experience in conservation, climate policy, and biodiversity protection, with a proven track record of translating scientific data into policy and conservation strategies.
• Demonstrable experience in utilizing biodiversity data to influence policy development and conservation decision-making.
• Strong background in working within international frameworks related to climate and conservation governance, finance, and human rights.
• Experience collaborating with Indigenous communities and scientists, with a deep understanding of the importance of local knowledge in conservation efforts.
• Comprehensive understanding of biodiversity and environmental science concepts, particularly related to underground ecosystems.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages is highly valued.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with fungal systems or microbial science tools (e.g., eDNA).
• Working knowledge of Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, or other major multi-national languages.
• Background in international environmental law.
• Familiarity with carbon and biodiversity credit schemes.

Your Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate opportunities across policy, climate, and conservation domains for integrating SPUN's mycorrhizal datasets and analyses.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with conservation and restoration organizations, aligning our scientific outputs with their biodiversity measurement and protection efforts.
• Lead the development of SPUN's policy strategy, determining key actors and engagement approaches for maximum impact.
• Guide the creation of tools that translate mycorrhizal data into actionable strategies for policymakers and practitioners.
• Explore and assess innovative models for monitoring and protecting biodiversity, including carbon and biodiversity credit schemes.
• Collaborate with the product team to ensure our scientific outputs meet the needs of key stakeholders and align with our strategic roadmap.
• Support the communications team in effectively conveying our policy work and scientific findings to diverse audiences.
• Work with the Development Officer to identify policy-focused funding opportunities and contribute to proposal development.
• Represent SPUN in relevant policy forums, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
  

This role offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge mycorrhizal research into global conservation and climate mitigation efforts. You will play a pivotal role in shaping how the world understands and protects these crucial underground ecosystems.

To apply:

Please complete the application form in BambooHR. You will be asked to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.

Please note: we will notify you before contacting any references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply.

At SPUN, we embrace diversity as a fundamental pillar of our mission to protect underground ecosystems. Our commitment to decolonizing science is dependent on the diversity of knowledge and experience on our team and among our partners across the globe. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or background, feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We highly encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented or repressed groups, including but not limited to women, LGBTQIA, individuals from the Global South, and individuals with Indigenous heritage, to apply to join our team at SPUN.

To learn more about our company and culture, please visit our website www.spun.earth‍