Research and Development Data Scientist

Research & Development Data Scientist

This is a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven startup applying cutting-edge science and data to help farmers grow more sustainably and profitably.

You’ll join a growing start up of high performers and work at the intersection of crop growth modelling, machine learning, and agronomy, directly supporting the development and improvement of a cutting-edge product!

What you’ll be doing:

• Own and evolve crop modelling work using DSSAT, APSIM, or similar models (e.g. tuning cultivar parameters, incorporating new environmental risks, modelling fertiliser effects).
• Support the development of machine learning layers on top of crop models, integrating satellite data and in-field results.
• Analyse results from ongoing trials to refine models and build market-facing insights for farmers.
• Collaborate with the Crop Growth Modelling Lead and CTO/ Founder to divide and shape work based on your strengths - be that research-heavy or more engineering-oriented.
• Work with the wider data and backend engineering team to deploy solutions in production.
• Help improve internal tools written in Python, while interacting with crop model codebases in Fortran and other environments.
• Balance independent R&D with commercial and product-focused initiatives - shaping their scientific and technical foundations.

What you can bring:

• Ideally experience in Python (or R), and experience working with models, simulations, or agricultural/environmental datasets.
• Experience with crop growth models, especially DSSAT or APSIM (or similar models you're confident adapting to).
• A startup mindset: proactive, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Strong ability to think scientifically and commercially: you can build, test, and explain your ideas clearly.
• Ideally 2+ years of post-academic experience (but we’re open to exceptional recent PhD graduates).
• Knowledge of agronomy, particularly around wheat and fertiliser usage, is highly desirable.
• You don’t need perfect engineering skills, but you’re comfortable collaborating with engineers or deploying your own models.

What’s in it for you:

• A role that’s rare in both scope and impact: join a fast-scaling startup applying space tech, crop science, and data in a way no one else is.
• Work with a smart, passionate, and experienced team that values both R&D and delivery.
• Equity at a meaningful stage of growth
• Massive career growth potential, own your space as they scale.
• Flexibility to shape your role around your strengths: research-led, product-led, or engineering-integrated.
• The satisfaction of contributing to a solution with genuine climate, economic, and food security impact.

Mirai believes in the power of diversity and the importance of an inclusive culture. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, understanding that a range of perspectives strengthens both our team and our partners' teams. This is just one of the ways that we’re taking positive action to shaping a collaborative and diverse future in the workplace.