Research Associate II - Microbial Fermentation & Recovery Development

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 Research Associate!

Are you ready to contribute to the development of new biosolutions? Do you have a passion for hands-on experimentation using cutting edge technology? If so, you could be the Research Associate we've been looking for who can execute lab- and pilot-scale fermentation and recovery experiments for a variety of microbes including bacteria, fungi, and yeast.

Welcome to Development and Optimization of Microbes

We are part of a global organization in Novonesis that is responsible for the development, scale-up, and optimization of microbe products, processes, and technologies based on scientific insight and customer needs for a variety of industries, including agriculture, bioenergy, human health, and functional foods. Our teams are composed of scientists and researchers with diverse backgrounds that use a wide array of lab-, pilot-, and production-scale equipment, plus advanced data and digitalization tools, to develop and launch new products. 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:

• 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.

• Being responsible for operating several lab- and pilot-scale fermenters at a time that includes preparing media, tank setup, inoculation, monitoring, sampling, performing analytics, and documenting results in ELNs.

• Bringing your passion and excitement for hands-on experimental work that helps drive a better fundamental understanding of biological systems.

• Cross-training and having an interest in learning new skills, including new areas of fermentation, recovery, and even downstream processing, as part of your individual development.

• Performing job duties in a safe, clean, and organized manner that adheres to company policies and regulations.

• Following, writing, and updating standard operating procedures, and learning equipment-specific software.

• Maintaining laboratory equipment in good working order and troubleshooting issues as they arise, independently finding solutions when possible and escalating appropriately when not.

• Leveraging AI and ML techniques to facilitate experimental planning and execution (e.g., DOE, analysis, reporting, etc.).

• Being proactive and seeing challenges as opportunities to take responsibility.

• Being empowered to rethink existing processes and encourage teammates to do the same.

• Performing related duties as assigned.

To succeed you must have:

• A BS or MS degree in Chemical or Bioprocess Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field.

• Hands-on experience with fermentation equipment operation and troubleshooting.

• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as microscopy, cell enumeration, spectroscopy, etc.

• Experience writing prompts to AI.

• Strong computer skills and ability to learn applications and programming as needed.

• The agility to handle a task load with some dynamic nature, while working both independently and as a team player.

• Flexibility to occasionally come in on nights or weekends to take samples, troubleshoot problems, or to meet a pressing deadline.

• Ability to read, write, and speak English.

• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers.

• Ability to be on your feet for extended periods of time.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Location:

This job will be located at the RTP site in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

Application deadline: 8 August 2025

Expected salary range: $60,000 - 80,000 USD

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 with generous employer contribution

• 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

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