Chief Geoscientist (AI4Science Startup Executive)

Company Description Deep Optica is an AI4Science startup building a Mining World Model to transform how subsurface resources are discovered and evaluated. The World Model integrates geological, geophysical, geochemical, remote sensing, and drilling data to represent subsurface conditions and explicitly capture uncertainty. It is delivered through expert-led exploration services and agent-based software products. These offerings help mining companies and investors evaluate, compare, and reason about assets in early-stage exploration and transactions. Deep Optica aims to combine scientific rigor with advanced AI to drive better decision-making in global mineral exploration.

Role Description The Chief Geoscientist (AI4Science Startup Executive) is a full-time, hybrid role based in the London Area, United Kingdom, with flexibility for partial work from home. In this position, the Chief Geoscientist leads the scientific direction of the Mining World Model, designing frameworks to integrate geological, geophysical, and geochemical datasets into robust subsurface representations. Day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing interpretation workflows, guiding data quality standards, and collaborating closely with machine learning engineers to translate geoscience knowledge into computational models. The role also involves providing expert input to exploration projects, mentoring cross-functional teams, and engaging with clients and investors to explain scientific assumptions, uncertainties, and model outputs. The Chief Geoscientist will contribute to strategic planning, help shape product roadmaps, and represent Deep Optica in technical discussions, industry events, and partnership opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in applied geophysics, including experience with subsurface imaging and quantitative interpretation.
• Advanced expertise in structural geology and seismic interpretation to build and validate subsurface models.
• Solid background in sedimentology and basin analysis for understanding depositional systems and resource distribution.
• Proficiency in geochemistry, especially in exploration geochemistry and ore deposit systems.
• Graduate degree (PhD or MSc) in geoscience or a related field, or equivalent industry experience in mineral exploration or subsurface modeling.
• Experience collaborating with data science or AI/ML teams, with an ability to communicate geoscientific concepts in computational terms.
• Track record of leading multidisciplinary technical teams and setting scientific standards or workflows.
• Comfort with modern data and visualization tools (e.g., GIS, subsurface modeling platforms, scripting in Python or similar) is highly beneficial.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex uncertainty and risk clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in startup, innovation-focused, or rapidly evolving environments is a plus.