Head of Data Science

Head of Data Science

Department: Science

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: Austin, TX strongly preferred, Remote within Continental US considered

About Funga

Funga is a public benefit corporation harnessing forest fungal networks to address the climate crisis. We combine modern DNA sequencing and machine learning technology with breakthrough research on the forest microbiome to put the right native, biodiverse communities of mycorrhizal fungi in the right place. This leads to more quality wood created more quickly, more carbon sequestered, and more resilient forests. We serve land partners seeking to implement regenerative forestry practices that improve productivity and sustainability, and corporate carbon buyers building high-quality carbon removal portfolios with strong social and biodiversity outcomes. We’re a team of passionate scientists and builders on a mission to draw down at least three gigatons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by 2050.

If you are excited by starting new things, learning as you go, and being hands-on in applying your work to the private sector, you will dig working with us. We encourage you to apply even if only some of the below criteria are met—just make sure to tell us why you’re excited about Funga!

About the Role

Funga is seeking a Head of Data Science to lead our growing team of data scientists and engineers. In this role you’ll prioritize work, lead a SCRUM process to manage our team, collaborate with the executive team on key business priorities, and act as a leader of Funga both internally and externally.

You’ll report to the CEO and work closely with the leadership team and cross-functional leads to turn vision into execution. This is a builder role for someone who loves building structure from scratch, thrives in fast-paced environments, and brings a systems-oriented approach to operational excellence. We are a people-centric team focused on hiring great people and giving them the resources to do their jobs exceptionally well. You must bring a passion for and experience cultivating a dynamic, nimble, and highly engaged workforce, and a desire to grow your own team within the next year.

NOTE – please apply if you feel you are qualified, but don’t necessarily meet all of the above criteria! Few people do.

In This Role, You Will Lead

Data Science Management

• Manage our growing data science team. Review backlogs, set priorities, and manage sprints.
• Work with leadership to set broader organization wide science and engineering priorities under an OKR framework.
• Collaborate with all of Funga’s teams to help build tooling and information to enable a strategic execution of core science products for partners and key stakeholders.
• Manage communications of key discovery and product development both internally and externally.
• Improve operational workflows across the company to support growth, clarity, and accountability.
• Help cultivate a strong, values-aligned team culture through process and program design.
• Help grow Funga into a global forestry solution for climate, forest restoration and regenerative forestry.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience managing data science and engineering teams of 5-20 to deliver products and work, on time and to specifications.
• World class communicator. Ability to explain complex scientific concepts in plain language both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and build processes from scratch.
• Background in forest carbon cycle science and forest mensuration.
• fluency in uncertainty propagation and power analysis.
• Understanding of molecular biology based approaches to microbiome and biodiversity science.
• Enthusiasm for developing regenerative forestry practice.
• Experience working in early-stage or fast-scaling organizations, ideally in a climate, science, or mission-driven context.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to switch between execution and strategy
• Desire to grow your team in the next 6-12 months

Why Join Funga?

• Make a meaningful impact: Contribute to innovative solutions addressing one of the most pressing global challenges—climate change.
• Collaborative environment: Work closely with a diverse team of scientists, foresters, and business leaders who share a common passion for sustainability.
• Career growth: Be part of a pioneering company with opportunities for professional development and leadership.
• Participate in comprehensive healthcare benefits and employee equity programs.