Summary
Novonesis is seeking a recently graduated PhD researcher for an Industrial Postdoctoral position in Protein Chemistry and Assays at its Innovation Campus in Lyngby, Denmark. The position focuses on developing multi-enzyme cascades for the synthesis of biobased building blocks for the bioplastics industry.
The 29-month industrial postdoctoral project is a collaboration between Novonesis R&D in Lyngby and Prof. Dr. Volker Sieber’s research group at TUM Campus Straubing, Germany. The successful candidate will work on protein engineering, enzyme expression and purification, activity assays, enzyme kinetics, biophysical characterization, enzyme cascade development, cofactor recycling, and immobilization.
This is an excellent opportunity for researchers interested in industrial biotechnology, protein science, biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, and sustainable biomanufacturing to gain experience across both academic and industrial research environments.
Summary Table
| Job Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Industrial Postdoc – Protein Chemistry & Assays |
| Organization | Novonesis |
| Job Type | Industrial Postdoctoral Research |
| Duration | 29 months |
| Research Focus | Protein Chemistry, Enzyme Engineering, Cell-Free Biosynthesis, Biocatalysis |
| Research Project | Multi-enzyme cascades for biobased building blocks |
| Location | Lyngby, Denmark |
| Research Stays | TUM Campus Straubing, Germany |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Work Mode | On-site |
| Eligibility | PhD in Protein Science, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or related field |
| PhD Requirement | Graduation within the last 5 years |
| Application Deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Job Requisition ID | JR113899 |
Designation
Industrial Postdoctoral Researcher – Protein Chemistry & Assays / Cell-Free Biosynthesis
Research Area
- Protein Science
- Protein Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Enzyme Engineering
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Biocatalysis
- Cell-Free Biosynthesis
- Multi-Enzyme Cascades
- Cofactor Recycling
- Enzyme Immobilization
- Sustainable Bioplastics
- Biobased Chemical Production
Location
Primary Location:
Novonesis Innovation Campus, Lyngby, Denmark
The position requires physical presence in Lyngby as the base employment location.
The researcher will also undertake at least two research stays at TUM Campus Straubing, Germany, with each stay expected to last approximately 2–3 months.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold a PhD degree in Protein Science, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related discipline.
- PhD graduation should have occurred within the last 5 years.
- Have a strong research background in enzyme technology.
- Demonstrate hands-on experience in:
- Protein engineering
- Protein expression in bacterial hosts
- Expression optimization
- Protein purification
- Enzyme activity assays
- Enzyme kinetics
- Structural or biophysical characterization
- Experience with biocatalysis, particularly in-vitro multi-enzyme cascades using cofactor-dependent enzymes, is highly desirable.
- Experience with enzyme immobilization will be considered an advantage.
- Strong scientific communication and collaboration skills.
- Solution-oriented approach with a high degree of personal ownership and scientific initiative.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English and present scientific research.
- Experience using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) and digital tools for data analysis and knowledge sharing.
- Willingness and ability to travel to Germany for research stays at TUM Campus Straubing.
- Applicants must be legally and practically able to work in Denmark and Germany.
Important: Examination papers/documentation demonstrating relevant educational qualifications must be submitted with the application.
Job Description
The successful candidate will lead a scientific project focused on developing multi-enzyme cascades for producing biobased building blocks for the bioplastics industry.
Key responsibilities include:
Protein Engineering and Enzyme Development
- Design, produce and test new enzyme molecules.
- Perform protein engineering and optimize enzyme expression.
- Express and purify recombinant proteins using bacterial hosts.
- Characterize enzyme properties using biochemical and biophysical methods.
Enzyme Assays and Characterization
- Develop and optimize enzyme activity assays.
- Perform enzyme kinetics studies.
- Investigate protein stability and interactions with small molecules.
- Generate and analyze experimental data to guide enzyme development.
Cell-Free Biosynthesis
- Support the development of cell-free enzyme cascades.
- Develop and investigate cofactor recycling strategies.
- Build and test laboratory-scale enzyme cascade prototypes.
- Establish enzyme immobilization procedures using existing departmental expertise.
Project Leadership
- Take responsibility for experimental execution and scientific outcomes.
- Analyze experimental results and determine future research directions.
- Maintain project documentation, including ELNs and technical reports.
- Drive scientific publications and knowledge sharing.
- Organize project meetings and proactively communicate progress, challenges and research questions.
- Collaborate with Novonesis R&D scientists and external academic partners.
What Novonesis Offers
The successful candidate will join an international industrial R&D environment where experimental science, technological expertise and application-focused research come together.
The position provides an opportunity to:
- Take ownership of a defined industrial research project.
- Work closely with scientists at Novonesis.
- Collaborate with Prof. Dr. Volker Sieber’s research group at TUM.
- Gain experience spanning both academic and industrial research environments.
- Participate in planned research stays in Germany.
- Exchange knowledge with researchers across different scientific disciplines.
- Receive mentoring from experienced scientists at both TUM and Novonesis.
- Contribute to research aimed at developing sustainable biological solutions for the bioplastics industry.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online through the official Novonesis careers portal.
Applicants should ensure that their application includes:
- CV/resume
- Relevant academic and research information
- Examination papers documenting relevant education
- A statement confirming the ability to work practically and legally in Denmark and Germany
For questions about the position, applicants may contact:
Sune Christensen
Sr. Department Manager
Email: SCR@novonesis.com
Last Date for Apply
31 October 2026
Job Requisition ID: JR113899
Employment: Full-time, on-site
Organization: Novonesis
Location: Lyngby, Denmark, with research stays in Straubing, Germany
