Agronomist / Seed Scientist (Co-Founder, Part-Time, no salary till funding) – AB-bio

Company DescriptionAB-bio is an early-stage climate-tech startup developing biochar-based SeedBalls and soil amendments that help vegetation establish reliably in drought, salinity, poor soils and hard-to-reach landscapes. Our technology combines biochar micro-habitats, smart coating strategies and drone-ready deployment to solve one of Europe’s biggest challenges: planting new vegetation where traditional seeding often fails. From meadows, wetlands and forest understories to infrastructure verges, dikes, peatlands and regenerative farms, AB-bio creates simple, scalable tools for biodiversity recovery and climate-resilient planting. Our first production pilot is being developed in the Netherlands, with a strong focus on partnerships with municipalities, water boards, ecological contractors and drone operators. We aim to become Europe’s first restoration-grade SeedBall platform capable of supporting nature recovery at scale.Role OverviewWe are seeking a Dutch native Agronomist / Seed Scientist to join as a co-founder and provide core scientific expertise during our product development and pilot operations.This is a very light time-commitment role (≈2 hours per week) until our first funding round is secured. After funding, responsibilities can expand depending on availability and interest. No salary is provided until investment is raised; equity compensation is available for co-founder status.Core Responsibilities (Light Commitment)1. Seed & Plant Science ExpertiseProvide expert input on seed selection for meadows, wetlands, forests and agricultural applications.Validate species suitability for the Dutch climate and restoration targets.Advise on seed viability, storage and behaviour inside SeedBalls.2. Product & R&D GuidanceReview and refine SeedBall formulations (seed placement, coatings, biochar integration).Advise on germination, drought tolerance and field performance.Support scientific credibility for investor discussions and pilot customers.3. Biodiversity & Restoration AdvisoryGive direction on species mixes for professional clients: municipalities, water boards, ecological contractors.Ensure ecological fit with Dutch habitats, restoration goals and seasonal windows.4. Field Testing Oversight (High-Level Input)Help design small-scale field trials (even if not present on-site).Interpret early results and recommend adjustments.5. Regulatory & Compliance AwarenessProvide guidance on seed-quality standards, EU/Dutch regulations and good practices.Improve quality-control protocols for seed procurement and handling.RequirementsNative or close to native Dutch speaker (essential for: client conversations, restoration tenders, municipality/water-board projects, farmers).MSc/PhD in Agronomy, Seed Science, Plant Biology, Ecology, or related field.Deep understanding of Dutch ecosystems (meadows, wetlands, dunes, peatlands, forest understories, etc).Experience with seed biology, germination or ecological restoration.Ability to work in a low-time, advisory co-founder role (≈2h/week).Comfortable with startup uncertainty and early-stage risk.Nice-to-HaveFrench language ability (for future expansion into Wallonia, Belgium).Experience with seed coatings, pelleting or encapsulation.Familiarity with biochar, soil microbiology or regenerative agriculture.Prior collaboration with municipalities, water boards, or nature organisations.Drone or mechanised seeding experience.What We OfferCo-founder equity (negotiated individually, based on expertise and involvement).A chance to build Europe’s first restoration-grade, climate-resilient SeedBall platform.Flexible, low-time commitment with the option to scale involvement after funding.Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team (engineering, drones, biochar, climate-tech).Direct impact on Dutch biodiversity recovery, restoration outcomes and climate resilience.To apply, please use LinkedIn and/or send your CV and a short motivation to meet@ab-bio.tech or contact us via the same email if you have any questions. We review candidates on a rolling basis and encourage early applications. We look forward to hearing from you!