Senior Scientist Job: Physiology & Taxonomy at Denmark Apply Now

Applications are now open for the position of Senior Scientist – Fungal Physiology & Taxonomy at Novonesis, one of the world’s leading biosolutions companies, headquartered in Denmark. This exciting opportunity is based in Hørsholm, Denmark, and offers experienced scientists the chance to work at the forefront of microbial innovation, fungal biodiversity exploration, and AI-driven biological discovery.

If you hold a PhD in Mycology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline and are passionate about fungal science, taxonomy, physiology, and industrial biotechnology, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that supports sustainable solutions across food, health, agriculture, and environmental sectors.

About Novonesis

Novonesis was formed through the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, combining over a century of scientific excellence and innovation. With more than 10,000 employees worldwide, Novonesis develops biological solutions that help address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

The company operates across multiple industries, including:

• Food and Beverage
• Human Health
• Agriculture
• Bioenergy
• Environmental Sustainability
• Industrial Biotechnology

By harnessing the power of microorganisms and enzymes, Novonesis creates sustainable alternatives that reduce the use of fossil-based resources, lower environmental impacts, and improve production efficiency.

Position Details

Position: Senior Scientist – Fungal Physiology & Taxonomy

Company: Novonesis

Location: Hørsholm, Denmark

Job Type: Full-Time

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

Department: Culture Collection & Characterization

About the Role

The successful candidate will join the Culture Collection & Characterization Department and play a key role in expanding and utilizing fungal biodiversity to support future biosolution development.

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This position sits at the intersection of fungal systematics, taxonomy, physiology, bioinformatics, automation, and AI-driven microbial discovery. The selected scientist will help transform fungal biodiversity into innovative products by generating high-quality datasets and enabling predictive biological insights.

Working closely with multidisciplinary teams across research and development, the candidate will contribute to both scientific discovery and practical industrial applications.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Scientist, you will be responsible for:

Fungal Biodiversity Development

• Drive the strategic expansion of fungal biodiversity collections.
• Identify fungal strains with potential industrial and commercial applications.
• Support future biosolution development through targeted biodiversity exploration.

Fungal Physiology and Taxonomy

• Characterize fungal isolates using physiological, morphological, and molecular approaches.
• Conduct advanced fungal identification and classification.
• Integrate classical taxonomy with modern genomic techniques.

Multi-Omics and Data Integration

• Analyze and interpret large-scale biological datasets.
• Integrate physiology, taxonomy, genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics information.
• Generate high-dimensional datasets for AI-supported discovery.

High-Throughput Screening

• Design and implement automated workflows.
• Develop scalable screening systems for fungal characterization.
• Improve efficiency in microbial discovery pipelines.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with fermentation scientists, genomic researchers, data scientists, and application specialists.
• Collaborate across research and product development teams.
• Translate scientific discoveries into practical business solutions.

Scientific Communication

• Present research findings internally and externally.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders.
• Communicate complex fungal biology concepts in accessible ways.

Candidate Requirements

Novonesis is seeking highly motivated researchers with strong expertise in fungal biology and industrial microbiology.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• PhD in Mycology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Strong expertise in fungal taxonomy and physiology.
• Knowledge of fungal ecology and biodiversity.
• Experience with filamentous fungi and fungal culture collections.
• Excellent scientific communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Skills

Additional qualifications that will strengthen your application include:

• Molecular fungal identification methods.
• DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
• Multi-omics data interpretation.
• Bioinformatics knowledge.
• Automation and robotic screening experience.
• High-throughput phenotyping systems.
• Industrial microbiology experience.
• Bioprospecting and biodiversity management knowledge.
• Experience working with international teams.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Work at the Cutting Edge of Fungal Innovation

Fungi represent one of the largest untapped biological resources on Earth. Novonesis is investing heavily in discovering and applying fungal diversity to solve real-world challenges.

You will help unlock new biological solutions using advanced scientific approaches that combine:

• Taxonomy
• Physiology
• Automation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Genomics
• Predictive Modeling

Access World-Class Infrastructure

Researchers at Novonesis benefit from:

• Advanced microbiology laboratories
• High-throughput screening platforms
• AI-enabled discovery systems
• Large-scale microbial databases
• Modern genomic facilities
• Global scientific collaborations

Contribute to Sustainability

Your work will directly support sustainable innovation in:

• Agriculture
• Human nutrition
• Environmental protection
• Industrial manufacturing
• Climate solutions

Benefits of Working at Novonesis

Novonesis offers an excellent working environment designed to support scientific excellence and employee well-being.

Competitive Compensation

• Attractive salary package
• Danish employment benefits
• Pension contributions
• Health-related benefits

Professional Development

• Continuous learning opportunities
• Internal training programs
• Scientific conferences
• Career advancement pathways

Research Environment

• International research teams
• Collaborative culture
• Access to advanced technologies
• High-impact projects

Work-Life Balance

Denmark consistently ranks among the world’s best countries for quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Family-friendly policies
• Strong social support systems
• Excellent healthcare access

Why Denmark?

Denmark is one of Europe’s leading destinations for scientists and researchers.

Research Excellence

The country hosts globally recognized institutions and biotech companies.

Quality of Life

Denmark offers:

• High living standards
• Safe communities
• Excellent public services
• Sustainable cities
• Strong environmental commitment

International Community

Researchers from around the world choose Denmark because of its welcoming environment and strong international networks.

Easy Access to Europe

Hørsholm is located near Copenhagen, providing excellent transportation connections across Europe.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the Novonesis careers portal.

OFFICIAL LINK

Important Note

Novonesis follows an inclusive recruitment process and requests applicants:

• Not to submit a cover letter.
• Not to include photographs.
• Instead, include a short motivation statement within the CV explaining your interest in the role.

Application Materials

Prepare:

• Updated CV
• Academic qualifications
• Research achievements
• Publications list (if applicable)
• Motivation statement

Final Thoughts

This Senior Scientist opportunity represents a rare chance to work at the forefront of fungal science and industrial biotechnology. Novonesis is seeking ambitious researchers who can combine scientific excellence with innovation and practical impact.

If your expertise lies in fungal physiology, taxonomy, microbial biodiversity, or industrial microbiology, this role provides the platform to contribute to transformative biosolutions while advancing your scientific career in one of Europe’s most innovative biotechnology environments.

Apply before 30 June 2026 and become part of a global team using biology to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.