Fungal Molecular Ecologist (UEP Data & Training Scientist)

About SPUN

SPUN is a startup NGO with a mission to map and protect the mycorrhizal fungal networks that regulate Earth's climate and ecosystems. These fungi

draw down approximately 13 billion tons of CO2 annually through extensive underground networks. Since our founding in 2021, we've built a global data platform to make these invisible networks measurable. Through our Underground Explorers program and network of over 400 Science Associates across more than 80 countries — with the majority in the Global South — we generate high-resolution biodiversity maps and ML-powered tools that integrate mycorrhizal data into climate, conservation, restoration, and land management decisions.

Our work spans from laboratory research, data science, and robotics to locally-led field applications, informing everything from carbon accounting methodologies to protected area design and restoration protocols. With strong backing from leading foundations and growing momentum in international policy circles, we're at an inflection point where strategic partnerships will be critical to driving the adoption of mycorrhizal data into climate strategies, conservation agendas, and restoration efforts worldwide.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Fungal Molecular Ecologist (UEP Data & Training Scientist) to provide critical support to the Underground Explorers Program (UEPs) — SPUN’s grant-awarding initiative for mycorrhizal research. This role will help bridge the gap between soil metabarcoding outputs and ecological insights, ensuring that UEPs are equipped to analyze, interpret, and publish their data.

The UEP Data & Training Scientist will serve as both a technical resource and mentor, expanding researchers’ access to one-on-one advice, office hours, and workshops. You’ll help UEP participants navigate analytical pipelines, interpret results, and translate outputs into ecological insights that can inform publications and conservation applications.

This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in fungal molecular ecology, bioinformatics, and ecological data analysis who is motivated to apply their expertise in a training and support capacity rather than conducting independent research. While a research background is essential for understanding and contextualizing the work, this is not a lab-based or research-driven role. Instead, it focuses on strengthening others’ research capacity and ensuring consistent, high-quality data practices across the global UEP community.

This is envisioned as a junior scientist-level position (e.g., recent PhD graduate or postdoctoral researcher). Depending on the candidate’s strengths and organizational needs, the role may evolve to include broader support for SPUN’s bioinformatics pipelines and ecological data science training efforts.

Key Responsibilities

UEP Training & Support

• Host regular office hours (2x/month) to support UEPs in lab protocols trouble shooting, bioinformatics, ecological data analysis and interpretation.
• Provide one-on-one and group training in basic bioinformatics and ecological data analyses, with a focus on closing knowledge gaps, especially for researchers in the Global South.
• Provide support to UEPs seeking advice on molecular and sequencing components of projects.
• Develop and implement workshops on experimental design, statistics, and bioinformatics (online as well as in-person if funding allows).
• Select and support promising UEP datasets for enhanced analysis and publication opportunities. Potential for co-authorship on publications to be established with each UEP but not guaranteed.

Ecological & Molecular Analysis

• Support UEPs with complex ecological questions and conservation-focused data analysis. The amount of time for each project will be depending on demand and time availability.
• Provide feedback on experimental design, statistical approaches, and interpretation of results.
• Assist with quality control of sequencing data and routine troubleshooting as needed.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of bioinformatics pipelines and training tools.

Collaboration & Capacity Building

• Work closely with the data team (bioinformaticians, database architects, and molecular scientists) to align training support with existing infrastructure.
• Partner with UEPs globally to build analytical capacity and empower local researchers to lead ecological insights from their own datasets.
• Potentially share responsibilities with the expeditions team to provide training linked to field sampling.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD (or near completion) in molecular ecology, microbial ecology, or related field. Masters degree and extensive experience in fungal molecular ecology and data analyses considered.
• Strong ecological background with demonstrated experience in bioinformatics and data analysis specifically in fungal communities.
• Familiarity with molecular techniques (DNA extraction, preferably from soils, PCR, high-throughput DNA sequencing and metabarcoding).
• Familiarity with basic bioinformatics tools for sequencing analysis.
• Experience using R for ecological analyses.
• Experience analyzing mycorrhizal or fungal molecular data (preferred).
• Strong communication skills, with ability to translate technical concepts into accessible training.
• Commitment to capacity building and equitable knowledge-sharing, especially in under-resourced contexts.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring, training, or supporting peers, students, or collaborators.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex analyses to a broad audience.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to support and operational tasks.
• Interest in applying scientific expertise to pre-existing datasets and community training, rather than pursuing independent research.

Preferred

• Previous experience designing or delivering workshops, courses, or training materials.
• Proficiency in a second language (Spanish, Portuguese, or French strongly preferred).
• Publication record in ecology, molecular biology, or bioinformatics.
• Experience working with global or cross-cultural research collaborations.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means becoming a trusted bridge between SPUN’s global network of Underground Explorers and the data that drives their discoveries. Within your first year, you’ll have helped UEPs confidently analyze and interpret their metabarcoding datasets, strengthening the quality and consistency of their outputs. You’ll have established clear, accessible training materials, hosted regular office hours and workshops, and created a feedback loop that helps SPUN continually refine its data and training support systems. Ultimately, your impact will be reflected in a more connected, capable, and data-literate UEP community — one that feels empowered to publish, share, and apply their findings with scientific rigor and confidence.

Reporting & Team

This role works closely with SPUN’s Data and UEP teams and reports to the UEP Program and Data Team Leads.

What You’ll Be Part Of

At SPUN, we’re mapping the world beneath our feet — revealing the hidden mycorrhizal networks that regulate Earth’s climate and sustain ecosystems. As a member of the SPUN team, you’ll join a fast-moving, mission-driven, and deeply collaborative organization advancing mycorrhizal research and conservation on a global scale.

We work at the intersection of science, data, and environmental action — connecting researchers, technologists, and local communities to make these underground ecosystems measurable and actionable. Through our global network of scientists and field partners, we’re building high-resolution biodiversity maps and data tools that help integrate fungal networks into climate, conservation, and restoration decisions.

SPUN values curiosity, creativity, and purpose. Whether you’re contributing through research, design, data, or operations, your work will help illuminate the unseen world that sustains forests, grasslands, and food systems — and drive meaningful impact for the planet.

Location & Compensation

This is a remote freelance role averaging 20–30 hours per week. Depending on the arrangement, SPUN may issue a monthly retainer contract based on agreed hours and compensation.

We welcome applicants from around the world. You should be comfortable collaborating across multiple time zones.

The compensation range for this role is USD $25–$60 per hour, depending on experience and location. SPUN applies a global compensation multiplier to ensure equity across regions, adjusting pay according to local market and cost-of-living benchmarks.

Compensation reflects SPUN’s hybrid identity as both an environmental NGO and a data-driven startup, and is commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Please complete the application form in BambooHR and submit the following materials:

• A resume
• Please submit a cover letter describing what draws you to SPUN’s mission and how your background aligns with this role. We’d love to hear about a project or experience that demonstrates your ability to collaborate across disciplines, adapt to challenges, and contribute to meaningful impact.
• Contact information (including phone numbers) for three professional references

Please note: we will notify you before contacting any references.

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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To learn more about our company and culture, please visit our website

www.spun.earth

Summary Role Details

• Level: Junior Scientist (recent graduate or post-doc)
• Employment Type: Contractor to start (3-6 months contract), 20-30 hours per week (no benefits) with potential to become permanent
• Location: Remote (with potential for travel to support in-person workshops/expeditions)
• Reports to: (UEP Program / Data Team Leads)