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Principal Scientist - Science & Technology Ki Tua - San Francisco
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Position Number: 5448907
Location: San Francisco, CA
Position Type: Science - Biology

Exciting Opportunity in Corporate Venture Capital with the Ki Tua Fund

The Ki Tua Fund is seeking to employ a high calibre scientist with proven experience in breakthrough science and technology development, preferably in venture capital backed start-up businesses.

About us | Ko wai mātou
Launched in June 2023, the Ki Tua Fund, is the corporate venture arm of Fonterra, established to access new capabilities and technologies beyond the reach of the core business today.

Operating as a stand-alone business, Ki Tua, meaning to "to go beyond", seeks out, partners with and invests in global start-ups, targeting new value creation opportunities by combining our Co-op's dairy science and innovation expertise with emerging technologies, advancements in science, and novel channels to market.

With a mission to disrupt the food and health system by bringing next generations solutions which combine the best of science, nutrition, and technology and to make a real impact on individual human health, we aim to grow a strategic investment portfolio to tackle the rapidly changing food system and nutrition science landscape, as well as provide diversification to our Co-op in an environment of growing volatility and milk scarcity.

About the opportunity | Te whiwhinga mahi
We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Scientist to join our Ki Tua team based in San Francisco (USA) on a permanent basis.

In this role you will play a pivotal part in identifying, evaluating, and supporting investment opportunities at the intersection of cutting-edge science and entrepreneurial innovation.

You will work closely with members of the team to analyse emerging technologies, assess market potential, and contribute to the strategic decision-making process.

Key responsibilities include:

Conduct in-depth research on scientific trends, breakthroughs, and emerging technologies relevant to the focus areas of our venture capital strategy aligned to core business strategy.

Work closely with Ki Tua team to ensure collaborative approach includes technical and non-technical due diligence.

Evaluate the strength of intellectual property, technical team expertise, and competitive landscape.

Contribute to building financial models and conducting valuation analyses to assess the investment attractiveness of opportunities.

Work collaboratively with the investment team to perform scenario analyses and sensitivity testing.

Prepare investment memos, presentations, and reports to communicate findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Clearly articulate the scientific rationale, market dynamics, and investment thesis behind proposed opportunities.

Help to create and support the Ki Tua Champions network including establishment of best practices and ongoing development.

Attend conferences, seminars, and networking events to expand the network and foster collaboration.

About you | Ko wai koe
You will be an experienced Principal Scientist with a PhD in Life Sciences (biochemistry, systems biology, genomics, protein chemistry and characterisation) or relevant scientific field complemented with significant experience.

With an investors mindset you'll see and take advantage of opportunities at the right time, being sensitive to deal dynamics and the implications of financial instruments used and possible impacts of future funding rounds and of exits on portfolio value along with having the ability to set clear and challenging goals to drive results and commitment to high standards alongside a passion for innovation.

knowledge of the venture capital and startup landscape will set you up for success as you distil complex concepts into clear and compelling messages.

This is a unique and fast paced environment where you will be the internal and external compass of Ki Tua as a brand and culture.

Ideally you will be based in the San Francisco Bay Area with strong existing networks and connections across capital venture landscapes.

You will also:

Be confident in building strong connections and networking widely with relevant stakeholders.

Have Passion for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Proven experience in working in breakthrough science and technology development, preferably in venture capital backed start-up businesses.

Experience in the analysis/due diligence of science and technology being undertaken in venture capital backed start-up businesses.

Knowledge of production processes and manufacturing in the biopharma, food & ingredients and/or bio-industrial space

Be an excellent communicator with presentation skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely, appropriate to the audience.

Demonstrate and have the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Be Proactive, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with a strong commitment to excellence and continuous learning.

Have cultural awareness and emotional intelligence, given the need to work across the globe.

Please note as this opportunity is based in San Francisco, USA you must have work eligibility for United States of America to be considered. As this is a global role, travel will be required.

Our Co-operative
Fonterra's strength is in the collective | Te Mātāpuna toa takitini
Here at Fonterra, we are committed to growing our people. We value you and your career progression and are excited that you are taking this next step in your career journey with us. We are proud to offer a wide variety of roles across the Co-op, ensuring that no matter what business unit or stage of life you're in, there's a good chance we've got something to suit.

Our story | Ō mātou kōrero
Whanaungatanga, our Co-operative spirit gives us all a common strength and purpose. Manaakitanga is how we care for all our people who are at the heart of what we do, we want our farmers, employees, customers and communities to thrive. Kaitiakitanga, ensures we take care of the land. We are committed to farming in a way that regenerates our farms and environment for future generations.

Whakaohooho constantly inspires ourselves and each other with great career development opportunities and benefits. We enable flexibility and balance to suit everyone's lifestyles and choices.

Our Co-operative is a place where everyone can be themselves, feel empowered to do their best.

Sound good to you? Come join our whānau. You, me, Us Together Tᾱtou tᾱtou.

For more information on Ki Tua Fund, Please click the below link:
https://www.kituafund.com/global/en.html

Please click the below link to apply!
https://fonterrakf.avature.net/careers/JobDetail?jobId=9112&source=Fonterra.com