Utrecht / Hybrid

Are you passionate about molecular modeling, data-driven innovation, and sustainable product development? Are you an experienced Computational Chemist with a strong background in quantum chemistry and simulation techniques? Then join us as our next Computational Chemist within Danone’s Advanced Data & Modelling team.

Our team's mission is to deliver breakthrough technologies that create value for people and the planet, aligned with the One Planet One Health strategic framework.

Key priorities include:

• Developing innovative and differentiating technological solutions for dairy and plant-based products.
• Creating advanced packaging solutions to improve performance, shelf life, and sustainability.
• Accelerating innovation through mastery of processes and digital tools.
• Applying models to simulate process/product interactions for optimization.
• Supporting short-term projects requiring high-level expertise.

As Computational Chemist, part of the Advanced Data & Modelling team, your key responsibilities will be:

• Quantum chemistry: Predict reaction pathways in oxidation, hydrolysis, etc
• Atomistic modeling: Understand molecular interactions and their influence on solubility, diffusion and other thermodynamic properties.
• Coarse-grained, mesoscale modeling: Simulate multi-component systems to predict phase separation or bulk/interfacial stability.
• Cheminformatics and AI: Use molecularly aware data-driven solutions that help us predict physicochemical formulation properties.
• Process Optimization: Develop and implement molecular models and predict the influence of thermal and mechanical stress to optimize various aspects of dairy/plant-based production, including ingredient interactions, fermentation processes, and product formulation.
• Data Analysis: Analyze experimental data and computational results to draw meaningful conclusions and provide insights for process improvement.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with experimental scientists, engineers, and other stakeholders to integrate computational approaches into the overall research and development strategy.
• Innovation: Stay abreast of the latest developments in computational chemistry and related fields to identify and implement innovative solutions for continuous improvement.

Meet your future manager! You will report to Sherwin Safavi Nic. 

To be successful in this role, you have: 

• Minimum a master’s degree or PhD in Computational Chemistry/(Bio)Chemical Engineering/Chemistry from a Technical University or related field. 
• Work experience (0-3 years) in a relevant process industry.
• Proven experience in applying computational methods to solve real-world problems in the food industry is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in molecular modeling software (e.g., GROMACS , LAMMPS, or industrial equivalent).
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and data visualization tools.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex concepts to non-experts.

At Danone we are committed to our mission “bringing health, through food to as many people as possible”. We are working together to make sure that our brands, like Nutricia and Nutrilon, create real benefits for people, communities and the planet. You will be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world. Being B Corp means to be part of a select movement of companies verified to be meeting the highest standards of social and environmental criteria and using business as a force for good. One Planet. One Health.

Our state-of-the-art research and innovation center builds bridges between food and science and is global in reach, founded on over 125 years of experience in life & food science, technology and user experience and is at the forefront of pioneering advances in specialized nutrition.

We offer:

All Danoners receive a complete package of benefits. This includes a competitive salary and yearly bonus, a premium free pension, 30 days of annual leave (with the opportunity to purchase more) and you will receive a monthly health care allowance. In addition, you can get discount on your gym membership, and we offer initiatives focused on nutrition, physical, and mental health. We provide continuous learning opportunities through workshops, online courses and training sessions.

We put people at the center of everything we do. Bring your unique perspective, ambitions and ideas to the table – the impact you could make might surprise you. We are committed to embrace diversity, nurturing an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is deeply embedded in Danone's DNA.

What's next:

It’s simple – hit the “apply” button before the application deadline of 29-01-2026. In order to comply with GDPR we can’t process your personal data without your given consent, so please apply directly via this website. Good luck! We can’t wait to meet you.

Need more information? Please contact Camila Grosso, Talent Manager via camila.grosso1@danone.com 

* All applications will be considered for a vacancy without discrimination based on ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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