Research Investigator

Job Purpose

As a Research Investigator, you will enhance our expertise in the development of natural complex ingredients. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in various biochemical, biological, physical, and biotechnological processes, enabling them to develop proprietary ingredients and reinforce our scientific leadership in this domain.

Core Responsibilities

• Identify and lead complex research to develop new/improved ingredients/methodologies driven by strategic business needs in the region and/or globally. Provide technical leadership within area; determine project success criteria in collaboration with team members.
• Support reactive projects by working collaboratively across functions and regions to meet customers' needs and help business successfully win briefs.
• Identify opportunities and foster collaborative research initiatives with internal and external partners, including academic institutions, research organizations, or suppliers, in areas pertinent to expertise.
• Identify and evaluate emerging scientific trends in flavor research and ingredient technologies and translate these findings into actionable insights.
• Formulate strategic R&D initiatives to generate intellectual properties.
• Provide recommendations to project teams based on experimental findings. Document findings with detailed research reports for all projects.
• Understand the competitors and identify strategies to bridge the technology gaps and ensuring scientific leadership position in the industry.
• Participate in the development of functional strategies from a scientific standpoint.
• Develop and execute tactical plans to deliver on functional strategy.
• Contribute to a culture of excellent communication, information sharing, collaboration and relationships within the department, and with all relevant groups within and outside of the department.
• Identify key technical training and development needs within the department and provide mentorship and guidance to team members.

Qualifications

• University degree with 12 years of experience, or a Master's degree with 8 years of experience, or a PhD with 4 years of experience in Food Science, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering or related fields.
• Possesses extensive knowledge in the different biochemical, biological, physical and biotechnological processes in the development of natural ingredients encompassing all aspects of food flavors.
• In-depth understanding of the food and/or flavour business preferred, or comparable experience with specialized technology.
• Demonstrate creativity to solve highly technical problems or solve a broad range of complex problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels, supported by excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Clearly translates technical reports on complex research topics.
• Is a recognized expert, has a track record of achievements, being up-to-date about the newest methods, techniques, developments in the area of expertise.
• Demonstrate the ability to exhibit agility in navigating and adapting to ambiguous situations.
• Experience in managing project teams both on-site and remotely.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment within a matrix organization.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal; proficiency in additional regional or local languages is an advantage.
• Good team player.