Lead/Senior Scientist, Biocatalysis

At Enginzyme, we’re pioneering biomanufacturing by combining the power of enzymes with our proprietary enzyme immobilisation platform (EziG®), process engineering, and an automated smart lab. We are looking for a Lead/Senior Scientist to join the Product Development team within R&D and drive the development of our biocatalyst solutions. You’ll be part of a tight-knit and quick-moving team, where collaboration and creative problem-solving are central to our achievements. The ideal candidate has a strong background in enzyme biochemistry and applied biocatalysis, ideally gained in an industrial setting. The role will be levelled as Lead or Senior depending on experience.

This is a full-time, hands-on, lab-based position in Solna (Stockholm), with occasional travel for project work, training and conferences.

What you will do

You will work in our Product Development team at the intersection of enzyme engineering, biocatalysis and process engineering. As a key subject matter expert, you will drive product development from early proof of concept and feasibility through to immobilised biocatalyst formulations ready for scale-up and technology transfer. This whilst fostering a collaborative, innovative, and safety-conscious work environment.

Project execution

• Act as technical lead on customer and internal development projects, owning the experimental plan, timelines and deliverables;
• Design and perform experiments in enzyme screening, reaction engineering, enzyme production, purification, characterisation and immobilisation, using DoE and our automated lab where appropriate;
• Optimise biocatalyst performance (activity, stability, operational lifetime and productivity) against defined product targets;
• Translate process requirements into enzyme engineering and immobilisation targets;
• Support scale-up and technology transfer to process engineering, manufacturing partners and customers;
• Analyse, document and report results, and present findings to project teams, customers and stakeholders;
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers across R&D;
• Contribute to the technical strategy of projects and to IP generation (invention disclosures, patent applications).

Innovation

• Contribute to the development of Enginzyme’s immobilisation platform and new biocatalyst products, keeping abreast of scientific and competitive developments in biocatalysis;
• Act as a technical expert alongside our Innovation and Business Development teams to evaluate new market opportunities and support customer discussions.

Mentoring and supervision

• Mentor, train and supervise research assistants and junior scientists;
• Act as a role model for good laboratory practice, safety and data quality, and help maintain and improve our instruments and workflows.

Who you are

We are looking for an innovation-driven, organised scientist with the following profile.

Required

• A PhD in biocatalysis, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field, or equivalent industrial experience;
• At least 3 years of post-PhD experience in applied biocatalysis (Lead Scientist), or 5+ years including technical project leadership (Senior Scientist), preferably in industry;
• A hands-on track record of developing biocatalytic reactions or processes, including enzyme screening, reaction optimisation and enzyme characterisation (kinetics, selectivity, stability);
• Strong analytical skills (e.g. HPLC, GC, spectrophotometric assays) and rigorous data analysis;
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Experience with enzyme immobilisation and, or, working with immobilised enzymes;
• Proficiency in reaction engineering and kinetic modelling;
• Acquainted with bioinformatics related to enzyme discovery and engineering;
• High-throughput screening, DoE and lab automation (e.g. liquid-handling robots);
• Trained in recombinant enzyme expression and purification;
• Industrial experience (e.g. at an enzyme producer, a CDMO);
• Strong communication skills;
• Experience with FAIR data management.

You are collaborative and approachable, take ownership and get things done, and are as eager to share your knowledge as to learn from others. You are comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities in a start-up environment.

We understand that you might not feel like you 'check all the boxes' as you read this job description. However, if this role excites you and makes you eager to learn, we encourage you to apply regardless.

What we can offer you

• A people-driven, forward-looking company of 30+ people from more than 15 nationalities;
• A fast-moving, collaborative and multidisciplinary team shaping the future of industrial biotech;
• A start-up environment with minimal red tape, real responsibility and ownership, and room to learn and grow;
• A competitive salary and wellness grant;
• 25 days of paid annual leave plus bridge days, comprehensive occupational health, injury and life insurance, and a robust occupational pension plan.

Applications received through channels other than the official application form will not be considered.