Chief Scientist and Senior Researcher - Fermentation and bioprocessing

We are seeking candidates for one permanent, full-time chief scientist position and one permanent, full-time senior researcher. Both positions are in the Stavanger region, reporting to Research Director Keith McCall. The successful candidates will work across several ongoing research projects within the field of microbiology, fermentation and bioprocessing. You will contribute to both experimental work and scientific development and take part in writing and developing competitive research proposals.

The research group conducts research and innovation across food & feed, aquaculture, oil & gas, and enzymes, in projects spanning from basic R&D (TRL1-2) to industry projects (TRL7-8). The group currently consists of 10 researchers and engineers working primarily on fermentation and bioproduction. Our expertise includes:

• Aerobic and anaerobic microbiology

• Molecular biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biotechnology,

• Gas and traditional fermentation using methane, CO2, H2, and alternative feedstocks

• Process development and optimization, scale up, downstream processing

• Analytical chemistry and bioactive compounds.

• LCA and bioprocess engineering.

We host the National Bioprocess and Fermentation Centre (NBioC Infrastructure), act as a major partner in the SFI Centre for Industrial Biotechnology (Centers for Research-based Innovation), and contribute to the European Green Deal project PyroCO2. The research facilities are concentrated in the Stavanger region, primarily at Risavika, and include fermentation facilities with 2 L, 150 L, and up to 1500 L fermentation reactors.

• Lead and contribute to national and international grant applications (EU, RCN, and others)

• Build and coordinate research consortia and strategic collaborations

• Drive scientific development within fermentation and bioprocessing

• Mentor and support skills development within the research team

• Contribute hands-on to experimental and pilot‑scale fermentation activities when needed

• Conduct laboratory and pilot‑scale fermentation experiments

• Develop and optimize fermentation, upstream, and downstream protocols

• Participate in grant writing to national/EU project proposals and industry assignments

• Operate and monitor fermentation equipment, including occasional work outside regular hours

• Conduct sterile handling of class 1 and 2 microorganisms, including gene‑modified/edited strains

 Required qualifications

• A PhD in chemical or biological sciences (microbiology preferred)

• Strong laboratory experience, e.g.  ≥5 years (chief scientist) or ≥2 years (senior researcher)

• Independent, communicative, and solution-oriented working style

• Excellent attitude towards health and safety

• Proficient in English and either existing proficiency in a Scandinavian language (Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish) or the willingness to learn Norwegian through personal study.

Proven lead authorship on high-quality scientific publications, patents, or governmental reports

Documented experience with successful grant applications (EU, RCN or equivalent) 

Experience coordinating larger research collaborations is advantageous

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage:

• Research in industrial biotechnology, waste valorization, applied microbiology, or fermentation processes.

• Protocol development for fermentation, upstream or downstream processing

• Working in research or industry projects within an accredited lab or GMP environment

• Analytical method development for HPLC, FPLC, GC-MS or similar

• Experience from feed, food, dairy, brewery, or pharmaceutical industries.

• Opportunity to join exciting research projects tackling today’s climate and environmental challenges, with good colleagues and in an internationally leading professional environment

• A professional, supportive working environment with a high degree of independence

• Access to advanced research infrastructure, including NBioC and large‑scale fermentation facilities

• Opportunities to create new projects and expand your professional network

• Interdisciplinary collaboration across teams and scientific domains

• Excellent opportunities for development of scientific and technical competencies

• Flexible working hours.

How to apply

Apply electronically by clicking on the “Apply for the position” button.

The application must include:

• A cover letter describing your professional qualifications and motivation

• Your CV/Resume

• Transcripts and diplomas with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language

• Contact information for two references.

Contact person: Questions can be directed to Research Director Keith Alan McCall kemc@norceresearch.no

At NORCE, we are committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for available positions regardless of gender, age, disability, or ethnic background.

Candidates are expected to openly offer relevant information about themselves during the recruitment process. Furthermore, one can expect background checks to be conducted on candidates in the final phase of the recruitment process. NORCE uses external actors to carry out such background checks or security interviews.