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Scientist/Senior Scientist- Strain Engineering and Automation

Novozymes (part of Novonesis)
life insurance, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, California, Davis
1445 Drew Avenue (Show on map)
Oct 15, 2025

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 Scientist or Senior Scientist

We are seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist to join our Strain Engineering Department within our R&D site located in Davis, California. The site of 65+ employees in Davis works together to unlock the potential of bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi as biological solutions to address the needs in our world. We foster a collaborative environment with a shared vision for pursuing science that has an impact, by working smart and enjoying the scientific journey.

In this role you'll make an impact by:

  • Applying synthetic biology and metabolic engineering tools to development of obligate anaerobes for next generation biosolutions

  • Developing and applying molecular biology and lab automation methods to improve the efficiency of DBTL cycles for obligate anaerobes

To succeed you must hold:

  • PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Systems Biology, M.S. with 5 years of work experience, or B.S. with 8 years of experience.

  • Experience cultivating and genetically engineering Clostridia class microbes or similar obligate anaerobes

  • Industry experience applying strain engineering tools to strain improvement programs focused on metabolic engineering

  • Solid conceptual and practical knowledge of molecular biology, preferably CRISPR / Cas tools for genome editing

  • Thrives in a lab environment

  • A mindset that embraces the use of lab automation for DBTL

  • A strong desire to work as a member of an empowered, cross-disciplinary problem-solving team

  • A mindset that embraces challenging science, recognizes change as an opportunity and finds satisfaction in team success

  • Strong written and oral communication skills

Prior experience with one or more of the following is especially beneficial in this position:

  • Experience applying lab automation equipment to the automation of DBTL cycles for obligate anaerobes (Hamilton, Opentrons, Beckman or similar liquid handlers)

  • Demonstrated expertise in combining genomic, bioinformatic, metabolic pathway and mechanistic understandings with computational methodologies to develop strain improvement strategies

  • Familiarity with systems biology tools including computational strain design

  • Experience using mutagenesis and adaptive lab evolution to improve strain phenotypes

  • Bioinformatics experience including genome annotation and comparative genomics analysis

  • Designing and executing biochemical assays to measure enzyme expression and activity or small molecule production, including chromatographic, spectrophotometric or fluorescence assays

  • Familiarity with Benchling or other similar electronic laboratory notebook system

  • Python coding experience resulting in working scripts or applications

  • Familiarity with statistical software including JMP

Location: Davis, CA (On-Site)
Application deadline: 11/1/25

Expected salary range:$100,000-$150,000 based upon experience

  • Benefits you will enjoy:
  • 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
  • Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
  • Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
  • Healthcare savings account option
  • Employee assistance program
  • Parental leave
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • All benefits begin on your first day

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

Not the right fit for you?
Even if this job isn't the right fit for you, perhaps you know someone who might find it interesting. If so, please feel free to share the job link and encourage them to apply. Thank you for your referral! Please check out our other open positions. The right fit for you could just be a few clicks away.

Stay alert: Avoid recruitment scams
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.

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