About Map of Life Solutions

Map of Life Solutions (MOLS) is commercializing 15 years of Yale University biodiversity research into the world's leading biodiversity data infrastructure. Our EBV (Essential Biodiversity Variable) Cube-driven platform delivers standardized, global-scale biodiversity metrics that corporations, financial institutions, and governments use to understand their intersection with nature and  leverage for critical decision making.

We are a small, high-output team at the seed stage with enterprise clients across carbon markets, NGOs, agribusiness, and financial services. This is a foundational geospatial data science role — the person who transforms our science into accessible and decision-relevant products. 

The Role

We're looking for a Head of Data Science who operates at the intersection of geospatial data engineering, ecological science,  and analytical product delivery. You will own the architecture and execution of the data systems that power our core metrics ensuring accurate, efficient, and scalable solutions. This is not a pure data science role. It's not a pure engineering role. It's the connective tissue between them — and it requires someone who can hold both. We’re looking for someone passionate about leveraging spatial statistics, programming, and interdisciplinary knowledge to build the advanced data systems needed to translate complexity into decision-useful insights.

What You'll Own

• Design, build, and maintain global multidimensional geospatial databases and the analytical workflows that rely on them

• Develop and operate cloud-based systems to support data storage and analysis

• Establish high-integrity standards, QA/QC protocols, and data versioning practices that support reproducibility and auditability across client deliverables

• Test, develop, and deliver new scientific metrics and versions across sectors and geographies

What We're Looking For

Required

• 6+ years of experience developing and managing geospatial systems to generate advanced analytics from large-scale environmental datasets

• Strong command of Python, R, and SQL for scientific computing and pipeline development

• Experience building repeatable analytical workflows using remotely-sensed imagery

• Experience with cloud-based data systems (GCP or equivalent)

• Experience working with and interpreting ecological data

• Experience in integrating a wide range of data input types into interoperable systems

• Ability to quickly grasp new topics (e.g., understand advanced scientific and technical literature)

• Detail oriented with a passion for solving complex problems

• Effective communicator of data science processes to non-technical team members

Strongly Preferred

• Experience in solving challenges associated with analyzing large volumes of geospatial data

• Someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced team environment

• A desire to stay on the cutting-edge and apply new technologies to nature-related problems

• Prior work in a startup or fast-moving commercial environment where you've had to balance scientific rigor with delivery speed

Compensation & Structure

Salary: $90,000–$130,000 depending on experience

Equity: Meaningful early-stage option grant

Location: Remote; North America, Central, or South America preferred for time zone overlap with team

Reports to: CEO / Chief Science Advisor

To Apply

Send a brief note on why this role and your CV to hiring@mapoflife.ai. We don't need a cover letter - tell us what you've built and what technical problem you're most proud of solving.

Map of Life Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We are building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities and ecosystems we serve.