Junior Developer

SoilScopes is looking for a motivated Junior Data & Machine Learning Developer to support the development of AI-enabled systems for soil microbiology, ecosystem health and regenerative agriculture.

This role will work directly with the SoilScopes lab team and under the guidance of experienced machine vision and AI specialists to help build internal systems, organise scientific datasets, support machine vision model development, and improve how biological soil data is captured, processed and interpreted.

The position is ideal for someone with strong AI literacy, good technical problem-solving skills, and a genuine interest in applying technology to environmental, agricultural and ecological systems.

The successful candidate will help manage microscopy image datasets, structure lab data, support machine learning workflows, test AI-assisted tools, and use platforms such as Claude, ChatGPT and Lovable to help develop practical company systems at the SoilScopes facility. You should look to grow with this company as we develop, professional training and development will be available.

This is a hands-on development role within a growing soil biology company. It requires someone who is organised, curious, technically capable and excited by the opportunity to help build tools that support healthier soils, better farming systems and improved ecosystem management.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting machine vision model development for microscopy-based soil biology analysis
• Managing and organising image, sample and laboratory datasets
• Working with external AI and machine vision experts to prepare, test and improve model workflows
• Building internal tools and systems using AI-enabled platforms such as Claude, ChatGPT and Lovable
• Working directly with the SoilScopes lab team to improve data capture, reporting and operational systems
• Assisting with dataset labelling, quality control, model feedback and error tracking
• Creating clear documentation, workflows and standard operating procedures
• Helping translate biological laboratory processes into structured digital systems
• Supporting the long-term development of SoilScopes’ AI and data infrastructure

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong interest in AI, machine learning, data systems or software development
• Experience or exposure to Python, data handling, machine learning or computer vision
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Confidence using modern AI tools to solve practical problems
• Interest in environmental science, agriculture, ecology, microbiology or regenerative systems
• Ability to work independently while taking guidance from technical experts
• Clear communication skills and a willingness to learn across both technology and biology
• A practical, systems-minded approach to building tools inside a real-world laboratory environment

This role is suited to someone early in their career who wants to grow with a purpose-driven company and contribute to the development of technology for soil health, ecosystem regeneration and agricultural resilience.

Pay: R17 000,00 - R23 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person