Your role
Are you excited about translating protein science into successful food applications and market-relevant product solutions?
The market for protein is booming as never before (Forbes, June 2026). At the same time, the protein market is moving beyond quantity alone and toward nutritional value, functionality and sensory performance (Innova Insights, 2026). Many food companies are looking for alternatives to whey protein concentrate and isolate due to the surging prices (NBC, June 2026).
This creates a strong need for applied protein expertise. It requires understanding how proteins perform in a food matrix, what their nutritional and sensory implications are and where they create the most value in food applications. It also requires someone who can act as trusted scientific advisor to business partners, customers and suppliers. This is where Interfood’s R&D-team plays a key role.
By combining market insights, food ingredient functionality expertise, we translate market needs into R&D solutions for customers and suppliers alike.
As a Protein Application Scientist, you translate protein functionality into market-relevant food solutions by:
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Understanding specific market needs and customer requirements
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Characterizing protein ingredients and their functional properties
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Understanding protein functionality in the food matrix taking into account nutritional, processing and sensory factors.
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Designing and performing hands-on application work (e.g., protein bars, protein drinks, yoghurts, etc.) in Interfood’s application lab (the Dairy Food Studio including prototype development, application trials and scientific method development
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Developing finished product prototypes where proteins interact with other ingredients, such as fats, carbohydrates and stabilizers through recipe engineering
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Co-developing food concepts with suppliers and customers where the functionality of specific proteins create added value
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Collaborating with R&D and commercial teams to align functional performance with market needs
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Exploring novel technologies, such as GenAI for R&D, to strengthen scientific insight, application development and data-driven decision-making
You are motivated by using your protein expertise as a bridge between science, food applications, markets, customers and suppliers, translating functional understanding into recipes, prototypes, customer solutions and strategic business opportunities.
