Process Developer Protein
Friesland Campina has a strong position in the processing of dairy proteins. To strengthen our process technology R&D team, we are looking for an experienced Process Developer with a solid background in proteins. You will be responsible for bridging the gap between pilot-scale trials and commercial production of dairy protein products including casein and whey proteins and to develop and improve our existing production processes. This role is based in our department of Global Process Technology at our Innovation Center in Wageningen.
What we ask
- A master’s degree in Food Process Technology; or a background in (Bio-)Chemical Engineering or Process Technology with at least 5 years of experience in process development for protein processing; or a demonstratable equivalent level of education. Having a PhD degree is preferred.
- Experience in the execution of upscaling and downscaling trials at pilot plant or plant scale is a must. Having a solid foundation in unit operations commonly used in protein processing is highly desired.
- Excellent communication skills for reporting, presenting, and communication with colleagues and external stakeholders. Excellent English communication skills required. Good Dutch communication skills are a pre.
- Experience in innovation and cross-functional collaboration, involving (dairy) proteins. Good in building effective collaborations with internal and external stakeholders in research, technology, and new product development.
- Experience with systematic approach of process development (for instance DoE and QBD) and systematic problem-solving attitude (preferably experience with RCA).
What we offer
- Unique company culture of Dutch heritage and international presence.
- We offer great work life balance, and competitive salary & benefits package so you can enjoy it. Workweek of 40 hours, competitive pension scheme, holiday allowance of 8%, bonus scheme, flexible working hours and the ability to work hybrid.
- Diverse training and mentoring programs to help you grow on your own professional journey.
- A friendly and informal working environment, yet professional team members as sparring partners. Autonomy and trust to create longer term impact that helps bring better nutrition to the world.
Vacancy description
In this position, your tasks and responsibilities include:
- In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes for the extraction, fractionation, and modification of dairy ingredients. You will identify and implement innovative technologies that enhance product functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
- You will prepare experimental designs and coordinate trials, ensuring smooth execution with all involved parties, and translate findings into clear, actionable conclusions. Using robust scientific tools and methodologies, you will investigate critical process parameters and present your results confidently to internal and external stakeholders, both orally and in writing.
- You will initiate new process solutions for both existing and new products, leveraging your expertise and network. Collaboration is key—you will engage in open and challenging discussions with product and process technology experts across Friesland Campina’s R&D and Technology departments.
- Your work will involve applying knowledge of separation technologies such as membrane filtration, precipitation, and chromatography, as well as drying, thermal treatment, and enzymatic modification. You will conduct trials, analyze data, and provide technical recommendations based on performance and quality metrics.
- You will ensure timely delivery of milestones, document process designs and validations, and prepare transfer protocols for industrial implementation.
- Additionally, you will prepare process designs and mass balances and contribute to business cases.
- Finally, you will collaborate strongly internally and maintain external partnerships, with flexibility to travel to national production sites for approximately 15% of your time.
Team Details
See all colleagues on LinkedInYou will be part of Friesland Campina’s R&D organization, based in Wageningen. You will join the Cluster for Structuring Technology, Preservation & Cleaning. In this role, you will intensively collaborate with members of the other clusters in Global Process Technology, including experts on separation, purification, evaporation, drying, and modeling.