Department Manager
Interested in a career that matters?

At Novonesis, we unlock the power of biosolutions to enable better business with less environmental impact. Join our R&D Japan team and lead a high-impact scientific organization focused on production strain technologies that power our global innovation pipeline.
As a Department Manager, you will lead a team of talented scientists and play a key role in shaping the future of biosolutions through scientific excellence and strategic leadership.
The Role & Your Impact
You will head a department within R&D Japan, leading approximately 10-15 R&D professionals and driving scientific and organizational performance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, developing, and coaching a high-performing scientific team to deliver business goals
- Defining department strategy aligned with global R&D priorities and ensuring execution
- Driving innovation in strain development, fermentation, and related technologies
- Ensuring high standards in quality, safety, and laboratory operations
- Building strong internal and external collaborations (global R&D, academia, customers)
- Acting as a scientific ambassador in Japan’s research ecosystem
- Managing budgets, resources, and talent development plans
What You’ll Need to Be Successful
- PhD or Master’s in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or related field
- Strong experience in strain development, fermentation, or related R&D areas
- Proven people management and leadership experience
- Strong communication skills and stakeholder management capabilities
- Fluent Japanese and business-level English
Additional Skills & Interests We Value
- Experience working in global matrix organizations
- Industry insight and ability to translate customer needs into R&D direction
- Strategic mindset with long-term orientation
- Strong collaboration and influence skills
What We Offer
- Leadership role in a globally recognized biosolutions company
- Opportunity to shape R&D strategy and innovation outcomes
- International collaboration across global R&D teams
- A purpose-driven and science-led culture
Ways of Working / Working Conditions
- On-site lab-based leadership role in Japan
- Limited international travel (approximately 1–2 times per year)
Our purpose guides the way
In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.
Opportunities for everyone
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.
We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.
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