Specialty Ingredient Scientist

Join our international R&D community that is shaping the future of animal nutrition. Across Feed and Specialties, our teams work on tomorrow’s nutritional concepts, specialty ingredients and functional solutions, combining scientific expertise with a strong understanding of market needs. Working closely with colleagues across functions and regions, you will contribute to innovations that make a real difference for our customers and a responsible food chain for future generations.

Your challenge
As Specialty Ingredient Scientist, you translate science-backed knowledge of the physicochemical properties of specialty ingredients into practical solutions for (young) animal nutrition, taking into consideration requirements regarding product performance, processability and biological efficacy. Through scientific research, experimental design and data-driven insights, you create the foundation for current and next-generation nutritional and functional solutions that support innovation and customer value. You are a member of the R&D team, working in close collaboration with Quality, Operations, Procurement and external suppliers. If you live in Belgium, your work location is Drongen. If you live in the Netherlands, your work location will be Apeldoorn - because you are expected in Belgium occasionally, it is preferable you live south of Apeldoorn. Working from home is possible for about two days a week.

Key responsibilities

• Lead technical expertise on specialty ingredients and raw materials.

• Drive laboratory and pilot-scale testing programs to understand structure-function relationships of specialty ingredients.

• Support innovation projects by identifying and developing next-generation ingredients and solutions.

• Manage technical knowledge, specifications, and supplier collaboration.

• Act as the go-to expert for technical questions and knowledge sharing across the organization.

In this role, you report to the R&D Director Feed & Specialties.

Our offer
We offer a highly visible expert role within Agrifirm's innovation and specialty ingredients activities, with the opportunity to influence ingredient strategies and innovation projects across multiple business areas. You will work in an entrepreneurial environment where technical expertise directly contributes to business success. You will have the possibility to work from home occasionally, as long as you are at the office at least three days a week.

Furthermore:

• An extensive introduction program;

• A gross monthly salary between €5.000,- and €6.500,- (based on full time) depending on experience and work location (Belgium or the Netherlands);

• Plenty of leave days and flexible working hours;

• Laptop and an iPhone;

• Good secondary employment conditions;

• Extensive development opportunities through our Agrifirm Academy.
  

Who are you?

• Phd or Master's degree in Food Science, Bioscience Engineering, Chemistry, Animal Nutrition, Feed Technology or a related field.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in feed, food, ingredients, additives or process technology.

• Strong understanding of structure-function relationships in specialty ingredients, including the link between chemical composition, molecular structure, physicochemical properties and in vivo ingredient functionality

• Experience with ingredient functionality, laboratory testing, process technology or formulation science is highly valued.

• Curious, analytical and hands-on mindset.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Comfortable working in multidisciplinary and international teams.

• Fluency in English is necessary. Commandment of the Dutch language is a plus.

Who are we?
At Royal Agrifirm Group, we strive for an inclusive culture, in which all of our employees can say: “I’m a valued member of a winning team, doing meaningful work in an environment of trust.” Embedded in our company culture are our STAR values, representing not only what we value but also how we act; Sharp, Together, Ambitious and Responsible. We have the reach to bring different players and different worlds together. Combining the ideas, skills and knowledge of all of our employees enables us to be at the forefront of the development of new concepts, products and tools to deliver on our purpose; a responsible food chain for future generations. 

Interested?
Ready to become our specialist in the science behind specialty ingredients and their functionality? We'd love to hear from you!
At Agrifirm, we are committed to equal opportunities and encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Apply though the application button or contact Sela Ford, Corporate Recruiter at  06 13 18 49 76 or s.ford@agrifirm.com.

An online assessment is part of the application procedure.

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