Head of Science (Sustainability Industry)

smtp consult pte. ltd.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

SMTP Consult Pte. Ltd. is seeking a Head of Science to lead scientific strategy for a carbon removal portfolio. You will oversee project evaluations, design MRV frameworks and establish biodiversity assessment methodologies, working closely with the CEO and investors.

You will build a robust scientific foundation for a climate-tech startup, guiding technical due diligence, BD engagement and regulatory alignment while scaling the science team and ensuring credible environmental impact.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field (climate science, environmental science, ecology, etc.).
• Experience in carbon markets, carbon removal or MRV across project developers, registries or standards orgs.
• Strong understanding of carbon removal methods (DACCS, biochar, ARR, blue carbon).
• In-depth biodiversity knowledge with MRV framework development for nature-based projects.
• Familiarity with biodiversity frameworks (CCB, SBTN, TNFD, IUCN).
• Understanding of GHG accounting under the GHG Protocol (Scopes 1-3).
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently in a late-stage startup setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead carbon removal assessment, evaluating additionality, permanence and integrity.
• Design MRV frameworks to ensure defensible, verifiable carbon removal claims.
• Develop biodiversity MRV using remote sensing, eDNA, acoustic methods and fieldwork.
• Build and manage a portfolio of projects balancing quality, cost and risks.
• Evaluate biodiversity and ecosystem benefits across nature-based projects.
• Ensure alignment with ICVCM Core Carbon Principles and related standards.
• Engage with registries, standards bodies and project developers.
• Translate complex science into credible materials for partners and investors.
• Lead scientific due diligence for fundraising and strategic alliances.
• Monitor climate science developments and update methodologies accordingly.
• Grow and mentor the scientific and technical team as the company scales.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Scientific communication

Independent startup experience

Leadership and people management

Project oversight

Education

Master's degree or PhD in climate/environmental science

Tools

Remote sensing

environmental DNA (eDNA)

acoustic monitoring

field surveys

MRV frameworks

Job description

Employment Type: Full-Time
Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Seniority: Senior Leadership / Founding Team

Job Overview

Client is seeking an experienced Head of Science to lead its scientific strategy and ensure the credibility, quality and integrity of its carbon removal portfolio.

As a key member of the founding team, you will oversee the evaluation of carbon removal projects, develop measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) frameworks, and establish robust methodologies for assessing carbon removal and biodiversity outcomes.

This role offers an opportunity to build the scientific foundation of an emerging climate-tech business, working closely with the CEO, project developers, investors and corporate customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Carbon Removal Assessment: Conduct scientific due diligence on carbon removal projects, evaluating additionality, permanence, durability, leakage risks and overall project integrity.
• MRV Framework Development: Design and implement measurement, reporting and verification frameworks to ensure carbon removal claims are scientifically defensible and verifiable.
• Biodiversity Monitoring: Develop biodiversity MRV frameworks, including baselines, monitoring protocols and assessment methodologies using tools such as remote sensing, environmental DNA (eDNA), acoustic monitoring and field surveys.
• Portfolio Management: Build and manage a diversified portfolio of carbon removal projects, balancing quality, cost, permanence, risk and environmental co-benefits.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluate biodiversity and ecosystem benefits across nature-based projects, including forestry, blue carbon and biochar initiatives.
• Climate Integrity Standards: Ensure alignment with recognised carbon market standards and frameworks, including ICVCM Core Carbon Principles, Oxford Offsetting Principles and relevant ISO guidance.
• Industry Engagement: Establish relationships with carbon registries, standards organisations and project developers, and represent the company at relevant industry and policy forums.
• Technical Communication: Translate complex scientific concepts into clear, credible materials for customers, investors, commercial partners and internal stakeholders.
• Investor and Partnership Support: Lead scientific and technical due diligence for fundraising, corporate partnerships and strategic collaborations.
• Research and Innovation: Monitor developments in carbon removal technologies, climate science, biodiversity standards and carbon market regulations.
• Team Leadership: Build, lead and develop the scientific and technical team as the company grows.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in a relevant discipline, such as climate science, environmental science, atmospheric science, ecology, conservation biology, biogeochemistry or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in carbon markets, carbon removal or MRV, gained through a project developer, registry, standards organisation, research institution or carbon-focused company.
• Strong understanding of carbon removal methodologies, including DACCS, biochar, ARR and blue carbon.
• In-depth knowledge of biodiversity science and applied ecology, with practical experience developing biodiversity baselines, monitoring protocols and MRV frameworks for at least one nature-based project type.
• Familiarity with recognised biodiversity frameworks and standards, such as CCB Standards, SBTN, TNFD and IUCN guidance.
• Understanding of corporate greenhouse gas accounting, particularly the GHG Protocol Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions framework.
• Strong analytical, scientific assessment and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate scientific research into practical project-level metrics.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently in an early-stage startup environment, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
• A strong commitment to climate integrity, credible carbon removal and measurable environmental impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• Established relationships with carbon removal project developers, registries or standards organisations.
• Experience contributing to carbon market methodologies, standards development or climate policy.
• Previous experience in an early-stage startup or founding-team environment.
• Experience developing scientific teams, processes or technical functions from the ground up.

Other Information

• EA License Name & License Number: SMTP Consult Pte. Ltd. (23C1754)
• EA Personnel Name & Registration Number: Keith Wong (R24125987)