“I love it!” There is no hesitation, no reservations, when David is asked to sum up how he feels about his job as a research associate at Novozymes. On completing his studies in biochemistry in his home state of New Hampshire, he headed to California and soon after got a job at Novozymes’ research center in Davis.
Here he works in the Protein Chemistry department and is connected to the biomass project, which is developing enzymes for the production of second-generation bioethanol. In a nutshell, this is about turning agricultural waste into biofuel rather than using food crops such as wheat or corn as is currently the case.
“If and when we get this to work as a real alternative to traditional fuels, it’ll be a massive breakthrough,” says David. “And my father’s always asking me when we’re going to get the technology ready to use, as he’s sick of soaring gas prices!”
His role in the process might involve separating and recovering the proteins that are to be used in the research using a type of advanced filtration. But first a large number of enzymes need to be tested, and the most promising ones identified.
“We do this with the help of robots so that we can get through lots of different enzymes, and we constantly work on new ways to automate the process a bit more.”
Loving every day
David’s enthusiasm for his work and his colleagues is unmistakable.
“I look forward to going to work each day and enjoy it greatly,” he says. “Everyone here’s competent and very helpful, and it’s an environment where there’s also scope to have a bit of fun. Also, we’re working on a project that means something and gives hope for the future. That’s a great feeling.”
Nor can he fault the opportunities to develop professionally.
“The resources and help you need to do the best possible job are always there, and Novozymes also does a lot for its employees in other ways.”
David now plans to settle in California permanently:
“My friends in New Hampshire ask me if I’m going to move back sometime soon, but I always say no – I like my work here too much!”