R&D Lead – Native Fermentation & Plant-Based Innovation

Position: R&D Lead – Native Fermentation & Plant-Based Innovation

Company: Grashka

Location: Ljubno ob Savinji, Slovenia

Work model: Full time presence in Slovenia

Start: ASAP

Reports to: CEO / Founders

Travel: Expected across European production and development sites

We are looking for a Head of R&D to lead the scientific and technological development behind it.

This role connects fermentation science, microbiology, food technology, IP, food safety and industrial scale-up. It is a senior leadership position with real influence on the future of the company and, for the right long-term fit, a possible path toward a co-founder-level role.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development of Grashka’s native fermentation platform
• Establish fermentation technology and processes on several production locations across Europe
• Develop fermentation processes, microbial consortia and scalable protocols
• Improve the nutritional, functional and sensory quality of our plant-based solutions for industries and also retail portfolio of products.
• Transfer ideas from lab to pilot and industrial production
• Build and protect IP, know-how and trade secrets
• Work with patent, quality, production and commercial teams
• Support national, regional and EU R&D grants
• Ensure alignment with food safety, HACCP, IFS, BRC and relevant regulation
• Build and lead the R&D team
• Work closely with the CEO, founders and production partners across Europe

Who we’re looking for

Someone with serious scientific depth, industrial experience, fermentation know how and startup energy.

Ideally, you bring:

• 10+ years in R&D, food technology, fermentation, production or biotechnology
• Strong experience with fermentation and bioprocess development
• Experience taking innovation from lab to industrial scale
• Understanding of patents, IP and protected know-how
• Experience with R&D grants or EU-funded projects
• Experience in commercialising products from LAB to retail
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality systems and regulatory requirements
• Strategic thinking, but also hands-on execution

Backgrounds we especially value:

• Microbiology
• Fermentation science
• Food biotechnology
• Production technology development
• Bioprocess engineering
• Food design and food innovation
• Functional nutrition / longevity science

A PhD or MSc in a relevant field is highly valued.

What we offer

• Senior leadership role in a fast-growing food biotech company
• Direct influence on Grashka’s technology and long-term strategy
• Hybrid work model
• International development scope
• Performance-based bonus structure
• Relocation support for international candidates
• Possible long-term co-founder track
• Optional equity package for the right long-term fit

Why Grashka

We are not building another plant-based brand.

We are building the technology behind better plant-based food: fermented, functional, scalable and made for the future.

If you want to help build a real food biotechnology platform from the inside, this is your chance.

Apply-Send us:

• Your CV
• A short motivation letter
• One fermentation, biotech or food innovation project you are proud of

Apply at: office@grashka.co

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Selected candidates will be invited to complete a mini challenge based on a real-life work scenario. We will be particularly interested in how quickly you understand the problem, propose a solution, and turn it into an actionable plan.