(Senior) Research Scientist

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Senior Research Scientist

At Novonesis, we harness the power of biology to drive sustainable solutions for some of the world’s biggest challenges. In Microbial Physiology, we play a critical role in advancing microbial biosolutions across Novonesis’ businesses — from Food & Beverages to Planetary Health.

We are now looking for a (Senior) Research Scientist to expand and strengthen our expertise in lactic acid bacteria physiology, with a strong focus on Fresh Dairy applications. You will join a highly engaged, multicultural team of scientists and technicians based in Hørsholm, Denmark, working at the forefront of microbiology to enable innovative, impactful products.

The Role & Your Impact

In this role, you will contribute directly to the development of next‑generation microbial biosolutions for the Fresh Dairy business. Your work will combine deep scientific understanding with practical application, ensuring our solutions deliver strong performance for customers.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Investigating molecular, biochemical, and physiological properties of microbial biosolutions, with a primary focus on lactic acid bacteria
• Exploring, developing, implementing, and applying emerging technologies for characterization and development of microbial biosolutions within food applications
• Contributing to multiple innovation projects, collaborating closely across R&D, Applied R&D, and other stakeholders along the value chain
• Applying scientific insights to support strain screening, strain and culture development, and optimization of performance and growth conditions
• The role is globally relevant and combines execution, optimization, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on scientific depth and business impact.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

• A PhD in Microbiology, Food Science/Technology, or a related field such as Biochemistry or Biotechnology
• Solid expertise in:
  • Physiology of lactic acid bacteria
  • Dairy microbiology and chemistry
  • Cutting‑edge microbiology technologies
  • Experimental design and data science
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in research or applied R&D roles
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

While not required, the following would be an advantage:

• Experience working close to industrial or customer‑driven dairy challenges
• A strong interest and experience in dairy starter cultures, particularly related to texture development
• Experience in mode-of-action/mechanistic studies of lactic acid bacteria in food matrices

Ways of Working

• On‑site role (office and laboratory based) in Hørsholm, Denmark
• Full‑time position (37 hours/week) with regular working hours
• No travel requirements

Relevant Information

Application deadline: April 30th ,2026

Hiring manager: César Fonseca, Associate Director

Contact: CESFO@novonesis.com

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