Senior Microbiologist / Senior Microbiologistess

Why Join Us

Get ready to own groundbreaking discovery work as a Senior Microbiologist at Nutreco, an SHV company. As global leaders in animal nutrition, our purpose of Feeding the Future drives us to explore new scientific frontiers.

About Nutreco Exploration

In 2021, Nutreco established Nutreco Exploration (NutEx), a discovery group dedicated to developing novel and proprietary ultra-specialty ingredients and products for feed. NutEx engages in two programs: Phytotechnology and Bactotechnology, leveraging plants and bacteria, respectively, to address the complex challenges faced by modern production animals, including aqua species, livestock, and pets.

Nutreco Exploration is based at Nutreco’s Garden of the Future, located in Switzerland’s Phytovalley near the Austrian and German border. This competence center features state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities that enable all activities required for the discovery and development of PhytoComplexes and BactoComplexes. Our discovery capabilities on-site include program expertise, discovery research (including biological models), biodiversity curation and specimen management, advanced phytochemistry and method development, as well as the creation and training of our proprietary algorithms, our Data Loom.

This senior position offers exceptional opportunities to lead groundbreaking investigations into Bactotechnology, translating fundamental expertise into transformative commercial applications that improve animal health globally.

What You’ll Do

You are the scientific anchor who brings together all contributors across our discovery pipeline. While the research is owned by our Discovery group, you will direct the Bactotechnology program and shape its content, guide scientific priorities as new insights emerge, support the growth of our specimen collection, and equip colleagues and customers with clear, science-based understanding of our work. You will:

• Own and expand the Bactotechnology expertise within NutEx, strengthening the technical foundation of our program.
• Collaborate closely with Biodiversity Curators and the Discovery Research Manager on all bacterial discovery pipeline projects, aiding in identifying candidates for new products for animal feed.
• Establish innovative analytical methodologies to characterize complexes containing bacteria and their specialized metabolites using advanced techniques.
• Design and execute sophisticated laboratory experiments to evaluate the efficacy of BactoComplexes.
• Pioneer complexity science applications to assess multi-compound interactions within BactoComplexes and their holistic effects on animal welfare, health, and performance.
• Curate technical content for customer visits to the Nutreco Garden of the Future and support trainings for business partners.
• Share expertise across teams to ensure continuous education and scientific alignment within NutEx.
• Enhance the visibility of Bactotechnology at NuGaFu and engage with customers as a scientific leader in the field.
• Build and maintain a scientific network relevant to Bactotechnology and represent NutEx at key congresses.

Who We’re Looking For

You’re someone who takes ownership of your expertise and enjoys pushing boundaries in a fast-paced discovery environment. Comfort with complexity and ambiguity drives you, as does the thrill of exploring new scientific ground alongside a diverse team. You bring:

• PhD in Microbiology or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in animal or human health, R&D, product development, applied research, or a related field.
• Fluency in English and Spanish.
• Experience teaching or working in an educational or training-focused environment (a plus).
• A creative, exploratory mindset with a drive to learn, collaborate, and take smart risks.

This role will be based in Arbon, Thurgau, Switzerland. Full-time on-site presence in our Garden of the Future site is mandatory for close collaboration with the team.

What You’ll Receive

You’ll join a united global community driven by the purpose of Feeding the Future. NutEx offers a deeply collaborative environment where scientific curiosity is encouraged, and where your contributions help shape Nutreco’s future innovation pipeline.

• Full-time position with a competitive remuneration package and pension scheme.
• 25 vacation days, with the option to buy/sell a limited number.
• Opportunities for global project involvement and business travel.
• A flexible working environment.

How to Apply

We can offer you a career with purpose, innovation, and impact. If you’re excited about shaping the future of animal nutrition and contributing to scientific breakthroughs at the intersection of biology and discovery, we’d love to hear from you. Apply online using the form below.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.