Are you ready for a new beginning?

We need your talent, knowledge and dedication to better our world with biology.

Our purpose points 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.

We’re here to better our world with biology.

Join us as our new Fermentation Optimization Scientist and Team Leader in Kalundborg

Are you passionate about fermentation, process optimization, and enzymes? As our new Fermentation Optimization Scientist and Team Leader, you’ll take on exciting challenges in optimizing fermentation processes at our Danish factories. We do fermentation process optimization based on in-depth microbial understanding, scientific understanding, pilot experiments, lab investigations, production trials and advanced analytics.
 

We are offering an attractive position in our optimization function with focus on fermentation optimization and people management. You will be the scientist for some of our optimization projects and introductions of new strains and products in production. You will also be responsible for running our pilot plant in Kalundborg with an AMBR250 fermentation robot and 10 20L high performing fermenters together with a team of four technicians.

You will be optimizing processes based on scientific knowledge, lab investigations in 20 L scale and AMBR robot, production trials, and identify optimization leads from mathematical and statistical treatment of data. We typically work on projects of 6-12 months’ duration with focus on making significant and value creating process improvements.

To keep meeting our business targets in a dynamic environment, people development is a focus area in the daily work, as well as continuous improvement of the way we work. Interaction with other departments is very strong, using both shared projects and actual job rotations to other departments/functions to foster cooperation and business understanding.

Welcome to Product and Process Development

You’ll join a dedicated team of 10 scientists and 4 technicians in the Enzyme Fermentation Optimization group under the “Product and Process Development” area. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, with close partnerships across departments globally, including Denmark, China, Brazil, and the USA. Our values emphasize teamwork, continuous improvement, and fostering innovation through strong cross-departmental interaction.

In this role you’ll make an impact by

• Optimizing Novonesis fermentation processes in the Danish factories. The optimization will bring Novonesis savings year after year and capacity release for production of new products for our customers.

• Optimizing enzyme fermentation processes through lab investigations, pilot experiments, production trials, and advanced analytics.

• Driving significant process improvements in 6-12 month-long projects.

• Identifying optimization potential by analyzing large data sets and applying mathematical/statistical tools.

• Collaborating closely with other teams and departments to ensure business success.

Potentially relevant experience:

• A MSc in chemical engineering or biotechnology (a PhD or 2+ years of industrial experience is preferred).

• Experience and interest in running and optimizing fermentation processes.

• No experience as a people manager is required. Have interest in leadership

• A strong analytical mindset with creativity and personal drive.

• Proficiency in handling and analyzing large data sets from fermentation processes.

• Structured and adaptable in your work approach, thriving in dynamic environments.

• Sense of urgency – you can balance the scientific approach in optimization with business understanding.

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written); proficiency in Danish is a plus or willingness to learn.

Location: Kalundborg, Denmark
Application deadline: February 8th, 2026
Contact details: For more information, please contact Jan Larsen, Senior Manager, Head of Fermentation Optimization Department, at +45 30773031.

Could our purpose be yours? Then apply today!

At Novonesis we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. We recommend you not to attach a cover letter to your application. Instead, please include a few sentences in your resume/CV about why you are applying. To ensure a fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo in your resume/CV.
 
Novonesis is dedicated to fostering a unique community by embracing and respecting differences. We make all employment decisions based on business needs, ensuring that every individual can thrive, regardless of identity or background such as ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Want to learn more?
Learn more about Novonesis, our purpose, and your career opportunities at novonesis.com

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At Novonesis, we are committed to maintaining a safe and transparent recruitment process. Please be aware of potential scams targeting job seekers and take note of the following:

• Novonesis will never ask for sensitive personal information, such as bank account details, Social Security numbers, or passwords, at any stage of the hiring process.
• Novonesis does not make employment offers without conducting interviews with candidates.

If you receive suspicious communication claiming to be from Novonesis, please do not share any personal or financial information. We encourage you to verify the legitimacy of the message by contacting us directly through our official channels.