SCIENTIST, FERMENTATION - SALEM, VA

Are you passionate about developing new processes for producing the next wave of biotech solutions? Then you might be our new Scientist II in the Novozymes Microbial Pilot Plan!

Work for a cause, not just a company
Novozymes is the world’s leading provider of industrial enzymes and microorganisms. Together with our customers, partners, and the global community, we use our innovative thinking and passion for science to boost industries and make everyday products more sustainable for the good of the planet. Our biological solutions enable higher agricultural yields, healthy food consumption, low-temperature washing, energy-efficient production, renewable fuel, and many other biological solutions that the world can benefit from – both today and in years to come. We need people who are eager to try new things, motivated by challenge, and not afraid to fail but driven to try again. And again. We know that original thinking happens when we’re given the flexibility to focus and the freedom to fully unfold our individual strengths. This is key to our innovation power. We call it Rethink Tomorrow.

Join us as our new Scientist
Are you ready for a challenging role that lets you use both your scientific grounding and communication skills? Do you have a passion for microbes and enjoy solving problems that lead to the launch of new products? If so, you could be the Scientist or Senior Scientist we’ve been looking for who can work within the internal process development group, as well as with outside units, to develop advanced and scalable fermentation and recovery processes for both existing and novel microbe-based products (i.e., bacteria, fungi, and yeast). This individual will use their in-depth understanding of the scientific principles of microbial fermentation/recovery and process development, as well as good stakeholder management and technical leadership, to pioneer research and transform it into value-added products.

Welcome to the Microbial Pilot Plant
We are a dynamic and driven cross-functional team of scientists and researchers who work closely with our local and regional manufacturing teams to develop and launch new products for a variety of industries, including agriculture, animal health and nutrition, and household care. To accomplish this, we use a wide array of lab-, pilot-, and production-scale equipment, plus advanced data and digitalization tools. We also collaborate with colleagues globally to take advantage of our combined knowledge in industrial microbiology.

In this role you’ll make an impact by:

• Bringing your passion and excitement for hands-on experimental work that helps drive a better fundamental understanding of biological systems
• Working within an agile team of other scientists and researchers to design and execute experiments, analyze data, and deliver clear and concise results to project teams and other key stakeholders
• Providing technical leadership around fermentation and recovery processes through the introduction of new technologies, helping to troubleshoot existing equipment and workflows, and supporting tech transfer, scale up, and process implementation and optimization at an industrial scale
• Building a cross-functional network with colleagues in R&D, supply operations, quality, and regulatory to understand what is required to successfully launch new microbial products
• Being proactive and seeing challenges as opportunities to take responsibility
• Being empowered to rethink existing processes and encourage teammates to do the same
• Having the agility to handle a task load with some dynamic nature, while working both independently and as a team player

• Bachelor's and 8+ years' experience, Masters’ and 5+ years' experience or PhD with 0-3 years' experience in Chemical or Bioprocess Engineering, or closely related field preferred
• In-depth understanding of the scientific principles of microbial fermentation.
• Hands-on experience with fermentation equipment operation and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience with design of experiments and statistical analysis.
• Flexibility to come in on weekends occasionally to troubleshoot problems, or to meet a pressing deadline.
• Flexibility to travel occasionally (typically no more than 2 weeks per year).

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
• Minimum of 3 weeks’ vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
• Healthcare savings account option with generous employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• All benefits begin on your first day!