Principal Scientist in Aerobic Fermentation and Upscaling

Don’t tell me you missed this exciting news! 👉 NIZO is expanding its facilities with a state-of-the-art, open-access scale-up facility dedicated to producing foods and ingredients through (precision) fermentation technology—and the team is growing too!

Are you a dynamic and experienced scientist with a passion for harnessing the power of microbes to create innovative food solutions? We are seeking a

Principal Scientist in Aerobic Fermentation and Upscaling (32-40 hours/week)

to join our forward-thinking contract research company, where your expertise, experience and commercial acumen will play a pivotal role in the success of our research and upscaling offerings to food and ingredient companies worldwide.

Role/Responsibilities

As a thought leader with a commercial mindset in the field of precision fermentation you will lead the science, sales strategy and innovation agenda for contract research and upscaling in the area of biomolecule and microbial biomass production through fermentation technology.

Main tasks include:

• Set the scientific direction for NIZO as part of the principal scientist team, specifically defining strategies for the development and deployment of up-to-date fermentation solutions for NIZO and its customers
• Lead/design/advise lab and pilot scale fermentation process development and execution for a range of fermentation projects.
• Key role in the design, technical adjustments and operation of a lab to pilot scale precision fermentation facility.
• Maintain a broad overview of the precision fermentation field, by interacting within a network of academic and industry connections.

A good fit for us will be someone who is driven by the following:

• Being present on site and engaging with the operational team(s) in both lab and pilot plant environments.
• Working with the principal scientist team to formulate goals and directions for strategic innovation (e.g. connecting relevant research programs across disciplines) to enhance our contract research offerings and set us apart in a competitive market.
• Identifying and delivering customer solutions in collaboration with the Business Development team.

We are looking for

We are looking for the rainbow unicorn with a glitter tail (but are open to settle for a strong work horse…):

• Experience (10+years) with lab through pilot scale (1000+L) fermentation in an industrial setting and/or experience in a production environment.
• Experience with aerobic fermentations of yeast, fungi, and/or bacteria (2 of the 3 organisms is a must).
• Knowledge of relevant DSP related to fermentation of yeast, bacteria, and/or fungi for food applications.
• Demonstration of a strong customer focus, speaking the commercial language.
• Understanding of the foods and (precision) fermentation-based ingredients customer applications.
• A strong network of connections in (foods & ingredients) industry and academia.
• Technically adept to lead the operational team in solving ever changing research and development challenges.
• Team player, including mentoring and training skills.
• You thrive in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment.

What we offer

• The place to be; join our pioneering team dedicated to developing novel solutions for the food sector.
• A position with a lot of variety, freedom and with room for professional growth.
• An inspiring and people-oriented work environment, where together with your passionate colleagues you will contribute to our ambitions for sustainable production of healthier food.
• A fair salary (around k€ 100 indicative) and competitive fringe benefits such as an attractive pension scheme, 25 holidays and 13 reduction of work (ADV) days, all on a full-time basis.

Interested?

Does this sound attractive to you? Then send your cover letter and resume exclusively to our application portal. For questions about the position, please contact Hannah Blitzblau (Chief Contract Research Officer).

Enjoy a culture of innovation, professional growth and the chance to influence the next generation of food solutions!