Sr. Production Specialist

Are you ready fora 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 Sr. Production Specialist

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Lab Scientist to join our team in the field of process optimization for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) at our process optimization lab in Madison, WI. The successful candidate will lead efforts to enhance the growth, fermentation efficiency, and overall performance of LAB strains in industrial and research settings. This position requires a strong background in microbiology, fermentation science, and bioprocess optimization, as well as hands-on experience working with microbial cultures.

In this role you'll make an impact by:

• Designing, executing, and analyzing experiments to improve the growth, productivity, and performance of lactic acid bacteria in fermentation systems.

• Developing and optimizing culture media, growth conditions, and fermentation parameters for maximum LAB performance.

• Developing freeze-dry methods to best stabilize final product.

• Investigating and mitigating factors affecting LAB yield, stability, and robustness under varying production conditions.

• Strain Development & Characterization - Collaborating with strain development teams to evaluate and select LAB strains with desired traits for industrial applications.

• Data Analysis & Reporting - Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting experimental data using statistical tools and software.

• Preparing detailed technical reports, protocols, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams.

• Collaboration & Innovation - Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, including microbiologists, biochemical engineers, and downstream processing specialists, to translate lab-scale findings into scalable industrial solutions.

• Staying updated on advancements in fermentation technology, LAB research, and process engineering to drive innovation.

• Quality Control & Compliance - Ensuring all experiments comply with laboratory safety standards and regulatory guidelines.

• Supporting quality control efforts by monitoring contamination risks and validating processes.

To succeed you must hold:

• BS in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.

• Hands-on experience with lactic acid bacteria in a lab or industrial setting is preferred but not necessary.

• Knowledge of fermentation technologies and bioprocess optimization.

• Familiarity with analytical methods such as spectroscopy, flow-cytometry and microscopy.

• Proficient in designing and executing microbiological and biochemical experiments.

• Knowledge of metabolic pathways and physiology of LAB.

• Familiarity with bioreactors, process modeling, and scale-up techniques is a plus.

• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Application Deadline: 6/13/25

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 committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, 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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