Senior Scientist, Strain Improvement

Responsibilities

• Conduct natural strain improvement campaigns for industrial lactic acid bacteria using adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and other selection-driven approaches.
• Develop and implement innovative selection and screening methods utilizing automation and high-throughput systems.
• Drive innovation projects from initial concept to implementation, ensuring scientific quality and industrial relevance.
• Perform initial lead assessments and ensure high-quality documentation and contribution to IP generation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional R&D stakeholders to support strain development and dairy application testing.

Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in strain development.
• Expertise in milk chemistry, texture, and rheological performance in fermented milk systems.
• Proven experience with adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and non-conventional approaches to solve complex biological challenges.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology linked to phenotype and performance.
• Strong experimental design and data analysis skills.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

• A curious and innovation-driven mindset with an interest in exploring new scientific technologies.
• An analytical and structured approach to solving complex biological challenges.
• Ability to work effectively within a multicultural, cross-functional team environment.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to balance scientific depth with changing project priorities.

Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation with global business relevance.
• Collaborative and highly skilled R&D environment.
• Chance to work at the intersection of research and application within a strong scientific community.

About the Company

Novonesis is a global leader in biosolutions, formed by the merger of Chr. Hansen and Novozymes. We employ 10,000 people worldwide, providing biological solutions that span more than 30 different industries to help feed and fuel the world more sustainably.