Interim R&D Scientist (Path to Permanent): Biotechnology & Biochemistry
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD R&D Scientist in Biotechnology / Bioengineering to join us for an initial 9-month period. As our team is rapidly expanding, we view this as a potential long-term addition to our core staff. You will work in our private lab, driving the biochemistry and microbial optimization behind our groundbreaking combinatorial fermentation technology platform. We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.
FEAST Ingredient is a biotech startup merging cutting-edge biotechnology with food science to create clean-label, organic, and sustainable savory food ingredients. We believe that great taste is the key to driving the green transition of our food system. Our international, dynamic environment offers passionate scientists the perfect platform to innovate and make a significant global impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Biochemical Optimization: Deep-dive into microbial metabolism to enhance the production of biomass and key taste compounds.
- ALE & Strain Development: Design and execute Adaptive Laboratory Evolution (ALE) protocols to optimize bacterial strains for specific savory profiles and robustness.
- Innovative R&D: Design and conduct biotech experiments that push the boundaries of organic, sustainable food ingredients.
- Fermentation Design: Develop and optimize specialized enzymatic and bacterial fermentation processes at the lab scale, pilot scale and production scale.
- Regulatory & Safety: Ensure all processes and developed ingredients comply with EU food regulations, with a specific focus on organic standards.
- Lab Coordination: Help maintain and expand lab infrastructure (equipment and procedures) and mentor student assistants.
Qualifications
- PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field that included laboratory work.
- Biochemistry Expertise: Strong hands-on experience microbial fermentation is essential.
- Adaptive & Problem-Solving: A builder mentality with the agility to pivot between diverse tasks—from high-level experimental design to hands-on troubleshooting as our startup evolves.
- Communication: Excellent scientific communication skills in English.
Desirable Extra Advantages
- ALE Experience: Experience with Adaptive Laboratory Evolution is highly prioritized
- Food Fermentation Insight: Knowledge of fermentation of food (complex media) and food processing
- Enzymatic processing of complex media
- Familiarity with EU food regulations especially Organic Regulation (compliance and documentation).
What We Offer
- Impact: A lead role in creating impactful and sustainable ingredient solutions to the global food & beverage industry.
- Ownership: We offer a competitive base salary aligned with academic research scales (e.g. Postdoc levels), complemented by possibility of a performance-based equity package (warrants)
- Growth: A collaborative, inclusive culture with the potential for the role to transition into a permanent position following the cover period.
How to apply
Send your CV including a few lines on your motivation for applying for the position using Linkedin EasyApply. Please refrain from sending your application directly by email. If you have any questions regarding position please contact CEO, Charlotte Vinther Schmidt at cvs@feastingredients.com with subject "Interim R&D Scientist - Job Inquiry" .
