At a glance

• Responsibilities: Lead a team of scientists and technologists in enzyme research.
• Company: AB Enzymes, a leader in enzyme innovation and production.
• Advantages: International working environment, personal and professional development opportunities.
• Further information: Flat hierarchies and a 'People First' culture.
• Why this job: Shape the future of enzyme technology in a dynamic, growing company.
• Qualifications: PhD in Biochemistry and experience in enzyme research required.

The projected salary is between €80,000 and €110,000 per year.

AB Enzymes, a subsidiary of Associated British Foods, is a leading global company in the innovation and production of enzymes. We are a key partner for customers using enzymes in the food, animal feed, and industrial sectors. With our expertise in the global enzyme business, we help our customers make their industrial processes more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and efficient. Product quality and innovation are among our strengths, while our passion for science and customer-focused solutions drives us.

Our global headquarters are located in Darmstadt, Germany, with offices and laboratories. Our production facility is in Finland (north of Helsinki), where our enzymes are manufactured and researched. We aim to leverage our strong growth prospects, state-of-the-art R&D, flat hierarchies, and a thriving, employee-centric culture to attract talented individuals who are motivated to contribute to our shared success, develop their skills, and make a real difference.

The role: As Head of Enzyme Technology Germany/Head of Protein Chemistry, you will be part of an exciting international R&D and business environment, working with state-of-the-art technologies and a broad portfolio of diverse projects.

Your responsibilities:

• Leading a team of scientists and technicians (approx. 7 employees)
• Monitoring the team's R&D activities, i.e., protein characterization using biochemical and biophysical techniques with a focus on enzymes.
• Development of analytical methods for measuring enzyme activity
• Enzyme discovery, enzyme engineering and high-throughput screening
• Scientific guidance and input for your direct reports
• Manage and assign resources
• Working in project teams where you are responsible for your team's contributions to ensure optimal working practices
• Building the team and capabilities to further develop our enzymology and protein characterization expertise
• Contribution to the development of the R&D technology strategy and its implementation in the global enzyme technology discipline
• Close exchange with other teams within the global enzyme technology sector in Germany and Finland
• Collaboration with other disciplines within R&D and beyond
• Ensuring best HSE practices
• Representing the team both internally and externally

The role is set in Darmstadt, Germany.

About you:

• PhD in biochemistry or a related field, several years of subsequent academic or industrial R&D experience, preferably in the enzyme industry
• Sound knowledge of enzymology and the structure-function relationships of proteins.
• Extensive experience in the field of industrial enzymes, especially carbohydrate-degrading enzymes.
• Strong background in protein engineering and HTS
• Proven leadership experience and cultural agility
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Proactive problem-solving and innovation skills with a passion for understanding, improving, and utilizing enzymes.
• Fluent in English; German or Finnish is an advantage.

Why us:

• An opportunity in an exciting and growing industry with business development prospects based on future-proof and sustainable technology.
• An international working environment with the opportunity for personal and professional development.
• A challenging and multifaceted employment opportunity with long-term prospects in a rapidly growing leading company in the enzyme industry.
• A progressive, team-oriented management team that supports you through open communication and accessibility.
• A modern, creative and innovative company that succeeds through its employees.
• A collaborative and open-minded culture, flat hierarchies and a 'people first' attitude
• Future career opportunities through our ABF network
• The option to work remotely
• We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.