Science Manager – Biophysical Modeling

Plantrs Science Manager Biophysical Modeling

About the Role

As Science Manager Biophysical Modeling you will lead and grow a team of scientists developing advanced models of crop development evapotranspiration and plant water interactions using thermal infrared and multispectral satellite data.

This is a hands-on leadership role at the intersection of Earth observation science applied research and product delivery. You will drive innovation in surface energy balance modeling vegetation stress indices and data fusion techniques while ensuring scientific rigor scalability and alignment with both business goals and long-term mission objectives.

Your work will directly influence how satellite-derived insights are transformed into actionable intelligence for agriculture water management and environmental monitoring.

What Youll Do

• Lead a team of scientists developing models for crop water stress evapotranspiration and land-surface processes
• Drive innovation in biophysical and surface energy balance modeling
• Design validate and improve algorithms for thermal data analysis and vegetation stress monitoring
• Partner closely with machine learning engineering and product teams to bring scientific models into production
• Ensure scientific outputs are robust reproducible and scalable
• Guide research direction while balancing scientific depth with real-world application

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of scientists working on crop water and land-surface modeling
• Advance scientific methodologies in biophysical modeling and thermal remote sensing
• Review and approve scientific architecture algorithms and design decisions
• Define team objectives milestones and key results tracking progress and outcomes
• Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate scientific models into operational systems
• Contribute to research proposals publications and conference presentations
• Support hiring onboarding and development of new scientific talent

Job Requirements

• Masters degree in environmental science agronomy physics or a related field
• 10 years of experience in Earth Observation remote sensing or environmental modeling
• 2 years in a technical leadership role managing scientific or engineering teams
• Hands-on experience with geospatial and EO data processing tools (GDAL Rasterio etc.)
• Strong understanding of land surface modeling soil plant atmosphere interactions and vegetation indices
• Strong programming skills in Python or similar languages
• Experience collaborating closely with software and data engineering teams
• Excellent communication documentation and organizational skills
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)

Nice to Have

• PhD in environmental science agronomy physics or a related field
• Experience working in cloud-based environments
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications or applied research
• Familiarity with thermal infrared satellite data

Why You Should Join

• Lead scientifically meaningful work that directly contributes to global food and water security
• Influence the scientific direction and strategy of a growing Earth observation platform
• Work at the forefront of thermal infrared satellite analytics an area with significant untapped potential
• See your research translated into real-world operational products not just publications
• Collaborate with a highly skilled international team across science engineering and product
• Enjoy true ownership autonomy and the opportunity to shape both team culture and technical standards
• Build long-term career growth in a mission-driven organization with global relevance

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Stock options to participate in long-term success
• Fast-moving mission-driven startup environment with real ownership
• Hybrid work model with flexibility
• EU visa sponsorship available when required
• Attractive Luxembourg tax advantages for relocators plus relocation bonus
• Meal vouchers included
• Support for living and working in Luxembourg including resources for newcomers
• Access to international schooling excellent transport and high quality of life
• Team testimonials available