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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:
Understanding specific market needs and customer requirements
Characterizing protein ingredients and their functional properties
Understanding protein functionality in the food matrix taking into account nutritional, processing and sensory factors.
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
Developing finished product prototypes where proteins interact with other ingredients, such as fats, carbohydrates and stabilizers through recipe engineering
Co-developing food concepts with suppliers and customers where the functionality of specific proteins create added value
Collaborating with R&D and commercial teams to align functional performance with market needs
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.
Your profile
Master’s or PhD in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, or related field, PhD preferred
5 to 8 years of experience in food application development and ingredient functionality within R&D, or a PhD with scientific focus on food systems
Strong interest in food ingredient functionality, protein science in complex food systems and market development
Enjoy translating market and customer needs into food recipes using state-of-the-art equipment and applied scientific methods
Based in Europe and willing to relocate to live within driving distance of Bladel
Analytical, data-driven and solution-oriented, with curiosity for novel technologies such as GenAI for R&D
Strong communication skills and comfortable working with scientific and non-scientific internal and external stakeholders
Fluent in English, Dutch is a plus
A day in the life of a protein application scientist
You feel at home in a family-owned, flat, interactive and entrepreneurial company where scientific curiosity, market relevance and collaboration come together.
08:30
You start the day with coffee and a conversation with commercial and R&D colleagues about several protein ingredient opportunities. You help bring clarity on the direction forward by asking what needs to be understood scientifically, what can be explored in a food matrix, and where value could be created.
09:30
You join an R&D team meeting where ongoing projects, data quality and new ways of working are discussed, including how GenAI could support R&D learning and decision-making.
10.30
You speak with a supplier about the functionality of a new protein ingredient and the conditions under which it performs best. You challenge the assumptions behind the data, discuss potential food applications, and identify where Interfood can create value by connecting ingredient knowledge with customer needs.
12.00
Lunch with colleagues, followed by a short walk outside. You chat about the weekend plans and enjoy the sunshine.
13.00
In the Dairy Food Studio, you continue hands-on application work for a customer-relevant protein concept, observing how the protein behaves in interaction with fats, carbohydrates, stabilizers and processing conditions, using advanced scientific methods (rheology, texture science, or sensory).
15.00
The outcome is promising. You capture the findings, define the next development step, and connect the observations to protein functionality in the food matrix.
16.00
Before heading home, you prepare a slide deck for tomorrow’s customer meeting, showing how a specific protein functionality can create value in the customer’s food application. You call a commercial colleague to align the story with the market context and customer needs.
Your colleagues
Wouter Berendsen
Global Portfolio Director Fat & Cheese
Why Interfood?
Interfood's entrepreneurial spirit, flat organization, and drive for change create a great atmosphere to work in. The enthusiasm generated by the teams' drive to make change and business happen is truly inspiring. Back in 2018, the R&D team did not exist. Today, the R&D team consists of 10 members worldwide, proving that Interfood is ready to invest in valuable ideas and innovations which drive progress and success.
What do you expect from your new colleague?
In order to feel at home in Interfood, you need to be able to be a star in communication both with R&D, production and commercial stakeholders both internally and externally. You should have strong interest in how food ingredients work in food applications, and be open for change and a self-starter. A couple years of experience in the B2B food ingredients or food development industry is key in this role.
Loes Hoppenreijs
R&D Manager
Why Interfood?
Interfood operates at the heart of the global dairy market, a unique position for R&D. Rather than focusing on a single product, we work across a broad portfolio of dairy ingredients and applications. This exposure provides deep insight into ingredient functionality, market dynamics, and real-world application performance.
What do you expect from your new colleague?
You are genuinely excited about research and discovery. New findings energize you, and you are eager to share insights with colleagues and partners. You enjoy working in a collaborative environment where ideas are openly discussed and challenged.
You are flexible and supportive, comfortable navigating both scientific depth and practical application. You are not afraid to challenge assumptions and you welcome being challenged in return.
If you thrive in an environment where curiosity, ownership, and collaboration drive progress, you will feel at home in our team.
Our offer
Competitive compensation and benefits.
A dynamic and innovative work environment.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.
40 hour work week, 25 holidays.
Free delicious and healthy lunch and breakfast.
Participate in fun team activities.
Free gym inside our office.
Travel within Europe.
About Interfood
Step into our Bladel office and experience the energy of our team.
A workplace where collaboration, passion, and innovation come together—because great things happen when people enjoy what they do.
We are a leading player in commodity trading in dairy products. We operate globally with 14 offices worldwide and with a team of over 380 colleagues, we connect suppliers and customers. With more than 50 years of experience, we empower our partners by providing in-depth market knowledge, strategic insights, and risk management solutions that create real impact across the dairy supply chain.
We empower our people with autonomy, we encourage them to take responsibility and make decisions. We don’t just offer a job; we offer a career with multiple paths for personal and professional development. In our informal culture, we provide our employees with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We believe in the power of teamwork, and our "Together for Better" philosophy drives our collaborative approach, creating a world-class team. And we foster a culture of well-being by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and supporting mental health.
When you join us, you enter a world where expertise, strategy, and action come together. We offer the opportunity to grow and succeed in an ever-evolving global market, while actively engaging in sustainable practices that drive innovation and shape the future of our industry.
Are you looking for an international company where you can develop both professionally and personally? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment but also value collaboration in a close-knit, informal team? Then Interfood is the ideal employer for you.
Explore our current vacancies and learn more about our organization.
Will you become our new team member?
