Beschrijving van de vacature:
What we ask:
- MSc or PhD in Food Technology, Physics, Chemistry, or related field.
- Minimum 5+ years relevant experience in food R&D (industry preferred).
- Proven experience with R&D project management and leading project teams.
- Strong expertise in food physics & chemistry (dairy preferred).
- Protein functionality and/or powder properties expertise is a strong pre.
- Thorough knowledge of instrumental product characterisation methods: physical structure measurements and/or chemical composition analysis.
- Experience with or strong affinity for physics-based modelling of food systems.
- Skilled in data analysis and translating insights into applications.
- Experience with structured problem solving (e.g., root cause analysis) and data-driven decision making.
- Strong hands-on mindset: able and motivated to actively contribute to laboratory work, execute experiments, and support technicians when required.
- Strong English communication skills (Dutch is a plus).
Independent, proactive, and result-driven; strong team player.
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What we offer:
At FrieslandCampina you work on strong, globally loved brands enjoyed by millions every day, like Friso, Campina, Chocomel and Frisian Flag. As a farmer-owned cooperative, we combine an international environment with a clear social and sustainable purpose. We support your growth through training, coaching and internal career opportunities. With trust and autonomy, you can make real impact.
Employment benefits:
- Salary between €4,550 and €6,000 gross per month (full-time), depending on experience and fit for the role.
- A work week of 32 to 38 hours, a 5% year-end allowance, 10% company bonus, 8% holiday allowance and a pension scheme.
- Hybrid working with flexible working hours, a train card and/or €0.23 per km (max. 30 km one way).
- 200 hours of annual leave, with the option to buy or sell up to 40 hours.
- A laptop, phone and home office equipment to support flexible working.
- Wellbeing and inclusion initiatives, such as health support, employee assistance programs and diversity initiatives.
Extras at the head office, such as milk and cheese during lunch, fresh fruit and barista coffee.
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Vacancy description:
As a Research Specialist in the Food Analytics & Functionality cluster, you lead and contribute to applied research projects that generate knowledge enabling product developers to deliver superior products.
You act as a scientific lead within projects, ensuring high-quality execution, interpretation, and translation of results into business impact.
Your key responsibilities:
- Project leadership : Define research scope, translate business needs into research questions, and lead project teams.
- Experimental design & execution : Design and perform experiments on dairy systems using structured approaches (e.g. DoE), combining experimentation with modelling.
- Data analysis & insight generation : Analyse complex datasets and develop mechanistic understanding to generate actionable insights.
- Application & impact : Translate findings into guidelines, models, and tools for product development and optimisation.
- Lab coordination : Guide and support technicians to ensure high-quality experimental execution; contribute hands-on.
- Method & capability development : Improve experimental methods and stay up to date with scientific and technological advancements.
- Collaboration : Work closely with cross-functional teams and maintain internal/external scientific networks.
Staying true to who you really are, that is your starting point at FrieslandCampina. Because it is precisely by embracing our differences that we can grow together. We want to create a working environment that allows all employees to bring their best and authentic selves.
