Scientist or R&D engineer - Strain Development

About the role

We are now looking for a Scientist or Engineer who wants to contribute to cutting-edge biotechnology research. In this role, you will work at the intersection of science and industry, developing microbial strains for sustainable biobased solutions together with highly skilled colleagues in a dynamic research environment. About us RISE is Sweden's research institute and innovation partner. Through collaboration with industry, academia, and the public sector, we contribute to a competitive and sustainable society. RISE Processum is part of RISE and a key player in the development of biobased processes and products. At our research facility in Örnsköldsvik, we work closely with industry partners and research organizations within one of Sweden's strongest biotechnology and biorefinery clusters. Our Biotechnology group manages a growing portfolio of projects focusing on bioprocesses, chemical and biotechnological analysis, method development, and sustainable materials. We are now building a new Strain Development team and are looking for a scientist or engineer who want to join us on this exciting journey. The role As a Scientist or Engineer within Strain Development, you will play an important role in our newly established team in Örnsköldsvik. You will primarily work with R&D projects and contract research focused on strain development targeting various applications such as biochemicals, biofuels, biomaterials, proteins & enzymes, food & feed etc. In this role, you will collaborate with researchers and specialists across RISE, as well as with professionals from companies, universities, and other R&D organizations. You will be expected to plan and execute experiments, as well as analyze and interpret results. You will contribute to the development of new projects, including grant applications and contract research for clients. At RISE, you will have access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including a high-throughput facility for strain development, pilot-scale fermentation facilities with bioreactors up to 10,000 liters, and downstream processing capabilities. Biotechnology is a strategically prioritized area within RISE and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, making this an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of sustainable biotechnology. Location: On site in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. Travel may occur in connection with research collaborations, customer meetings, and conferences. Who are you? Requirements: - Academic degree (PhD, MSc, BSc) in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry - Extensive expertise in metabolic engineering, gene editing, and strain optimization, with a broad understanding of various host organisms (yeast, bacteria, filamentous fungi) and their industrial applications. - Strong competence in genome analysis, NGS, bioinformatics, and data analysis. - Experience in high-throughput screening, including automation and robotics. - Solid hands-on experience in strain engineering, with the ability to identify bottlenecks and plan the competencies and resources required to drive operations forward. - Your personal qualities are of great importance, and we would like you to be a cooperative problem solver. - Working proficiency in English, both spoken and written. Meritorious: - Fluent in Swedish - Experience in writing grant applications - Experience in applied research with industrial needs and requirements As a person, you are a collaborative problem solver who enjoys working closely with colleagues and external partners. You have a structured way of working and the ability to drive your work independently while contributing to the success of the team. You are also eager to share knowledge and help build a strong and supportive research environment. Our offer We offer a workplace with strong development potential and a growing portfolio of research projects. With us, you will have a varied and stimulating role, working closely with advanced instrumentation and dedicated colleagues. You will become part of an organization that values curiosity, skills development, and long-term thinking, where your expertise truly makes a difference for the sustainable processes of the future. We look forward to receiving your application! If you have any questions regarding the position, you are welcome to contact Gunnar Westin, Group Manager, +46 70 260 46 23. The application deadline is July 12, 2026. Union representatives: Frida Sandberg +46 10 516 67 79 (frida.sandberg@ri.se), Verónica Benavente +46 10 516 67 51 (veronica.benavente@ri.se). SACO representative: Johanna Källman +46 10 516 60 10 (johanna.kallman@ri.se).