Senior Plant Biologist at bp San Diego, CA

Senior Plant Biologist – San Diego, CA Join us in creating, growing, and delivering innovation to reimagine energy for people and our planet. The Technology team develops, and scales low‑carbon technologies needed to meet the world’s energy demand whilst simultaneously decarbonising bp’s operations and products. About the Team The Fuels and Low Carbon Technology (F&LCT) is a team of over 300 technologists, scientists and engineers who provide pioneering solutions to support bp’s Fuels, Refining, Bioenergy and Hydrogen businesses. The Bioenergy & Hydrogen Technology team (B&HT) brings together scientists and engineers dedicated to delivering low‑carbon energy solutions aligned with bp’s strategy. The team works across many bp businesses supporting areas such as novel feedstocks, biofuels, advanced biofuels, and hydrogen. Job Description The opportunity is for a Senior Plant Biologist who will act as a technical expert in feedstocks, feedstock decomposition/deconstruction, and collaborate closely with B&HT teams and other bp businesses on bioenergy projects. The successful candidate will provide technical expertise to support scientific and technology projects to investigate and implement feedstock insights and solutions in the bioenergy space. The post holder will support projects involving feedstock conversion to bioenergy products and serve as an interface between bio‑feedstock production opportunities and conversion strategies. Key Accountabilities As the SME for feedstock composition to conversion, apply technical expertise and know’how to identify opportunities and guide priority feedstock selection and downstream deconstruction process development. Work closely with enzyme development and bioanalytical teams in experimental design and results interpretation to inform feedstock selection and conversion process development to improve efficiency. Evaluate feedstock potential for upgrading (based on cost, quantity, quality, agronomic performance, biomass recalcitrance, etc.). Support economic and sustainability evaluations for a range of feedstock options in the production of bioenergy. Provide technical expertise through: Knowledge of plant biology, plant physiology, and/or structural biology. Experience in approaches to assess biomass quality traits and improved conversion efficiency, including pre‑treatments, enzymatic hydrolysis, pyrolysis, and biological decomposition. Knowledge in environmental conditions, genetic x environment interactions, and crop management strategies that affect compositional traits in bioenergy crops. Experience in feedstock composition and/or biological mechanisms that regulate important plant processes and impact desired growth and development. Assist with plant sample sourcing, testing and selection. Understanding of growing climate threats such as drought events or adverse precipitation patterns, decreases in biodiversity and loss of fertile soils on the future of bio‑feedstocks. Support technology strategy and roadmap directions to B&HT research and innovation programs on bio‑feedstocks to ensure alignment with bp’s strategy. Collaborate with other teams in bp including Applied Sciences Technology, Trading & Shipping, Customers & Products, Gas & Low Carbon Energy, Strategy, Sustainability & Ventures, and Production & Operations. Essential Criteria and Qualifications MA/MS/PhD in Plant Biology, Botany, Plant Genetics, Agronomy, Agriculture or related field with 5+ years of experience (or bachelor’s with relevant experience). In‑depth knowledge of bio‑feedstocks and plant physiology, including experience with conversion technologies or low‑carbon product innovation and understanding of the interdependence of feedstock production and its utilisation. Outstanding interdisciplinary problem solving and critical thinking skills, with a passion for scientific innovation and low‑carbon technology. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with technical and non‑technical collaborators. Experience and ability to work efficiently in a multi‑tasking, fast‑paced, and matrix environment, with skills in prioritising, delivery and being flexible in response to change. Effective decision‑making with the ability to provide expert advice and clear recommendations, and to propose insights and develop solutions to sophisticated problems. Desirable Criteria Experience initiating and/or handling third‑party relationships, including academic collaborators, to create opportunities and establish strategic or tactical relationships that add new value and can secure competitive advantage for bp. Knowledge of plant breeding and other crop development technologies. Experience assessing technology readiness level (TRL) and developing technology strategy & roadmap. Familiarity with sustainability and regulatory requirements for bioenergy feedstocks and life‑cycle principles. Travel Up to 25% travel may be required. Travel between the various locations (in the UK, US, LATAM, Europe, India, and China) may be required. Remote Working This position is a hybrid of office/remote working. Technical Skills Agronomy Critical Thinking Plant Biology Problem Solving Structural Biology Sustainability Legal Disclaimer We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process. If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy, including pre‑placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks. #J-18808-Ljbffr JIT Global Freight Solution P Ltd