Senior Department Manager

Are you ready for a 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.

Senior Department Manager, Molecular Discovery, R&D, Novonesis

Lyngby – Denmark

Join us as our new Senior Department Manager in Molecular Discovery, R&D

You will be direct people leader for around 20 scientists and research associates, in collaboration with two other leaders drive projects and technology development for 60 dedicated and laboratory-based scientists and research associates, and be part of the Leadership Team in the Molecular Discovery (MD) in Novonesis R&D. In MD we are establishing technology competence centers across reporting lines, and you will be leading the MD competence center for natural diversity.

Welcome to Molecular Discovery in Enzyme, Protein & Strain Engineering Research, R&D

In MD, we integrate several competences from wildtype enzyme and protein discovery, molecular biology, assay development, bioinformatics, AI, and protein design to identify and engineer enzymes and proteins that will succeed and become products in industrial biosolutions. In addition, we are thriving towards an automated setup where we capture data systematically and learn for future projects

We work in cross-disciplinary agile teams with Protein, Chemistry and Assays, and we collaborate closely with colleagues globally, especially Production Strain Technologies and all our Application Research Units.

In this role you’ll make an impact by:

You will make an impact by leading and developing scientists and research associates with focus on adapting, developing and optimizing technologies needed to ensure a state-of-the-art protein discovery workflow for new product development. In addition to this, you will be

• Creating success through others by using intent-based leadership and being a strong people leader with a keen interest in nurturing passion and continuous learning
• Coaching employees to thrive and deliver results in an Agile team setting
• Creating value to our customers by translating scientific knowledge into biological solutions
• Networking with other parts of Novonesis and in collaboration with the other people leaders securing that the area works on the right problems for the right customers
• Securing a strong innovation culture, an inclusive environment, and a great place to work
• Driving an automation and digitalization mindset and how this can improve our way of working
   

Potentially Relevant Experience
You must hold a Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry or similar. As this is a leadership position, you must have leadership experience from an R&D setting.
We Expect You To Have

• Solid understanding of molecular biology
• Flair for innovation and curiosity of how an enzyme or protein can solve tomorrow’s problems
• A collaborative mindset and good people skills, being able to lead changes and bring motivation
• An open mind and curiosity towards how enzymes/proteins provide value in real applications
• Strong communication, good networking, and great stakeholder management skills
• Fluent in English

Location: Novonesis Innovation Campus in Lyngby, Denmark. Biologiens Vej 2, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Greater Copenhagen – Denmark.

Application deadline: October 3rd, 2025

Contact information: For more information, please contact Director Lars Beier ([email protected]), +45 30776401

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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