Head of Formulation

CEO & Founder, Bionema Group | Biological Crop Protection Innovator | King’s Award Winner | Global Speaker on Sustainable Agriculture HEAD OF FORMULATION – MICROBIAL BIOCONTROL & BIOLOGICAL INPUTS Start Date: 1st January 2026 Must have UK work rights ABOUT BIONEMA Bionema Group is a recognised innovator in biological crop protection and plant health, developing microbial biopesticides, biostimulants, biofertilisers, biosurfactants, and microencapsulation technologies that reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Our portfolio includes microbial biocontrol agents, biofertiliser and biostimulant technologies, nematode-based products, biosurfactants, and a patented microencapsulation platform. We collaborate globally. We are now seeking an experienced formulation leader to head Bionema’s Formulation Department, take ownership of our formulation laboratory, and drive the development of next‑generation biological products for agriculture and horticulture. THE ROLE This is a senior, hands‑on position for an expert in microbial and biological formulation. You will manage the formulation lab independently, provide technical leadership within the Formulation Department, and lead product development across multiple microbial and biological platforms, supporting scale‑up, stability, and regulatory readiness. Your remit covers biocontrol, biostimulants, and biofertilisers, using fungi, bacteria, natural products, and beneficial microbial consortia. You will work across multiple formulation formats, including SC, WP, WDG, OD, GR, prills, and microencapsulation systems. This position suits someone who wants clear leadership responsibility and the chance to shape Bionema’s biological product portfolio over the long term. WHAT YOU WILL DO Lead Bionema’s Formulation Department and operate the in‑house formulation lab independently. Design, optimise, and stabilise formulations for microbial and natural‑product biologicals. Develop products in Suspension Concentrates (SC), Wettable Powders (WP), Water‑Dispersible Granules (WDG), Oil Dispersions (OD), Granules (GR), prills, and encapsulated systems. Technical Development & Testing Improve stability, shelf‑life, UV tolerance, and field persistence of biological products. Conduct viability testing, dispersibility, flowability, tank‑mix compatibility, and rainfastness. Perform analytical testing, including HPLC/LC‑MS, for active ingredients and microbial actives. Support laboratory, greenhouse, and field trial formulations and ensure practical application performance. Scale‑Up & Manufacturing Translate lab‑scale formulations into pilot and commercial‑scale processes. Generate batch records, SOPs, and process optimisation documents. Support external manufacturing partners with technology transfer and troubleshooting. Regulatory & Documentation Prepare technical sections for regulatory dossiers (UK/EU biologicals, fertilisers, and PPP frameworks). Ensure formulation documentation meets quality, traceability, and compliance standards. Lead formulation strategy across multiple R&D and commercialisation programmes. Collaborate closely with microbiology, agronomy, regulatory, and commercial teams. Mentor technicians and junior scientists as the Formulation Department expands. WHAT YOU MUST BRING PhD in Formulation Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Agricultural Science, or a related field. 5–10 years of industrial experience in biopesticide, biological, or agrochemical formulation. Proven expertise in developing granules, prills, WP/WDG, SC, OD, and encapsulated systems. Ability to work independently and take full ownership of projects and outcomes. Excellent documentation, analytical method development, and data interpretation skills. Strong communication and leadership qualities. This is a senior role, not a support function. HIGHLY DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE Experience with natural‑product actives (e.g. secondary metabolites, plant or microbial extracts). Prior leadership of funded R&D or commercial development projects. Experience contributing to regulatory dossiers and product registration in the UK/EU. WHY JOIN BIONEMA Lead formulation across Bionema’s entire biological product portfolio. Drive innovation in sustainable crop protection and plant health. Work with respected academic and industry partners. Contribute directly to IP generation, commercialisation, and product launch. Join a purpose‑driven company honoured with the King’s Award for Innovation. HOW TO APPLY Please apply only if you meet the core requirements (PhD + 5–10 years relevant experience). Send the following to info@bionema.com Your CV A short statement: "Why I am the right candidate for this leadership role" Deadline: 20th December 2025 Informal enquiries: Contact Dr Minshad A. Ansari (CEO) via LinkedIn. You must have the right to work in the UK. Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full‑time #J-18808-Ljbffr