Lead – Process Development Unit (Biosolutions)
Do you thrive at the intersection of bioscience innovation and process development, helping promising biosolutions navigate the path from laboratory to pilot and commercial scale?
Then you may be the person we are looking for at BioInnovation Institute (BII), where we are seeking a Lead to head our Process Development Unit and support the Upscalator initiative.
Your Opportunity to Join BII!
Established by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2018, BII promotes collaborative, interdisciplinary, research-based innovation in the Life Sciences, Quantum Science, and Deep Tech, and helps build viable start-up companies to ensure that such innovations become widely available for the benefit of people and society.
Upscalator is a new initiative anchored at BII to help European start-ups scale up innovative biosolutions, accelerating the Green Transition. Upscalator offers access to biomanufacturing expertise, facilities, and financing to speed up the development of sustainable technologies. The program includes advisory services, a Process Development Unit equipped with screening, fermentation, and analytical equipment, a network of validated upscaling service providers, and tailored funding instruments for start-ups. Upscalator targets early-stage biosolutions start-ups operating in food, agriculture, chemicals, materials, and related sectors.
The role
As Lead of the Process Development Unit, you will become part of a passionate organization with dedicated colleagues, all united by the ambition of bringing science to life. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to make a real difference, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of biosolutions and innovation.
The role focuses on supporting companies developing robust bioprocesses for up-scaling of biosolutions within food, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and materials. The scope does not include therapeutic or pharmaceutical products.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Run the day-to-day operations of the Upscalator initiative
- Lead the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Process Development Unit at BII
- Manage the upscaling advisory function supporting start-ups
- Manage relationships and collaboration with external pilot-scale production facilities and other key stakeholders
- Act as the leading domain expert on upscaling of biosolutions at BII
- Provide professional sparring, coaching, and support to team members
Professional & Personal Qualifications
We Are Looking For a Colleague Who Holds a Master’s Degree Or PhD In Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Or a Related Field. Besides This, You Also Bring The Following Experiences And Competencies
- 6–10 years of relevant industrial experience within bioprocessing, process development, scale-up, or a related field, demonstrating strong subject matter expertise
- Proven track record of successfully scaling biosolutions products from laboratory to pilot and/or commercial scale within food, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, or materials applications
- Preferably prior experience performing/reviewing techno-economic analyses (TEAs)
- Comprehensive experience in process development, process optimization, technical support, and project coordination
- Ability to independently drive projects, initiatives, and technical processes from initiation to completion
- Strong network within the bioprocessing community, including academia, industry, start-ups, and contract manufacturing organizations
- Able to work independently, make informed decisions, and provide input on matters relating to laboratories, projects, and communication
- Collaborative team player who contributes positively to team success
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken
In addition, you are skilled at building meaningful partnerships both internally and externally and enjoy contributing to a collaborative, ambitious, and purpose-driven environment.
Working at BII
At BII we offer a purpose-driven community where science and innovation create meaningful change and impact in society. BII’s entrepreneurial environment is shaped and nurtured every day by our employees, start-ups, and everyone who joins us in bringing science to life. This role offers a unique opportunity to join Europe’s largest innovation and incubation initiative within life sciences and deep tech.
At BII, we value diversity, inclusion, and well-being at the core of our operations, believing that the best ideas emerge when diverse perspectives unite. Join us to work alongside passionate changemakers in a dynamic, supportive environment where you can grow, shape the future of life sciences, and make a meaningful impact.
BII is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, at Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, and as a Lead, you will work at our Copenhagen premises.
See our open positions at BII on our career page or on LinkedIn.
Curious for more?
If you are curious to know more about the position, please contact Jette Thykær, Director (e-mail: jet@bii.dk).
We welcome all applications and encourage candidates to apply regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socio-economic background. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where different perspectives contribute to innovation.
To apply, please send your CV, academic certificate(s), and answer the screening questions by clicking on the “Apply Now” button. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible and no later than June 30th, 2026. The recruitment process will consist of two interview rounds, planned for July, with consideration given to summer holiday schedules.
