Senior Scientist, Strain Improvement, Novonesis, Hørsholm
Novonesis
Are you excited by the opportunity to shape next-generation microbial biosolutions for Dairy? In the Strain Improvement department, you will join a team of 14 colleagues working on improving microbial strains for commercial applications, phage-biology know-how, and molecular tools for mechanistic studies. The team collaborates closely with Microbial Physiology and Computational Microbiology to improve microbial solutions across Novonesis’ businesses, from Food & Beverages to Planetary Health.
The role & your impact
As Senior Scientist, you will play a mixed operational, tactical, and strategic role with global relevance. You will drive innovation in natural strain improvement for industrial lactic acid bacteria and help translate novel scientific approaches into industrially relevant solutions for Dairy. The role is centered on innovation and close cross-functional collaboration across R&D, including scientists and technicians working with strain development and dairy application testing.
Your Key Responsibilities In This Role
- Conduct natural strain improvement campaigns for industrial lactic acid bacteria, including adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and other selection-driven approaches, and perform initial lead assessment.
- Develop and implement innovative selection and screening methods using enabling technologies such as automation and high-throughput systems.
- Drive innovation projects from concept to implementation, ensuring scientific quality and industrial relevance.
- Ensure high-quality documentation, clear communication, and contribution to IP generation.
- Collaborate with internal cross-functional stakeholders across R&D to support strain development and dairy application testing.
- 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, used to guide strain selection and performance optimization.
- Proven experience in developing and applying innovative and non-conventional approaches to solve complex biological challenges, particularly in strain selection.
- Strong understanding of microbial physiology linked to phenotype and performance.
- Strong experimental design and data analysis skills.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
- A curious and innovation-driven mindset with a strong interest in exploring new scientific approaches and technologies.
- An analytical and structured way of working, with a rigorous approach to solving complex biological challenges.
- A collaborative and open-minded approach, with the ability to work effectively across functions and in a multicultural team environment.
- An adaptable and proactive mindset, with the ability to balance scientific depth with project needs and changing priorities.
At Novonesis, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific innovation with global business relevance. You will join a collaborative and highly skilled R&D environment where cross-functional teamwork, scientific curiosity, and industrial impact go hand in hand. The role offers the chance to work at the intersection of research and application, helping shape future biosolutions within Dairy while growing your expertise in a strong scientific community.
Working conditions
This is an on-site role based in Hørsholm, Denmark, where you will work primarily in an office and laboratory environment. The position is full-time, with a standard 37-hour work week and regular working hours. There is no travel requirement associated with this role.
Application deadline: 17 June 2026.
Contact Information: For more information, please contact Marie Gorwa, Head of Strain Improvement, at [email protected].
Our purpose guides the way
In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.
Opportunities for everyone
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.
We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.
Explore Other Openings
If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career