Context, challenges of the Department

The main mission of the R&I Advanced Technology department is to create innovative and differentiating technological solutions to meet the needs of consumers and patients in an approach that integrates the One Planet One Health (OPOH) strategic framework. The scope of our department includes:

• "Plant-based" solutions
• Optimization of milk and dairy ingredients
• Packaging innovations
• The development of innovative ingredients
• The development and mastery of technologies and processes allowing rapid innovation and time to market, excellence in execution and optimization of investments
• Developing and applying models to simulate process/product interactions, to optimize processes & improve products

• Support the various short-term projects to find solutions to their problems when high-level expertise is required

• Develop and acquire leading capabilities, standards and systems based on digital tools in good coordination with other functions/departments within Danone

More specifically, the Advanced Technologies - Processes department is in charge of developing new manufacturing processes and technologies to support Danone's growth (liquid product production processes, concentration and centrifugation, extraction and filtration, fermentation / bioprocesses, etc.) as well as to develop a scientific approach to processes.

What are you going do?

We offer a full-time job where you will deliver your contribution to Innovation projects for healthier and more sustainable food through process modelling. You focus on applications of process models (digital twins, soft sensors) to develop new processes & products and optimize existing production processes of our company. You bring in your practical experience and theoretical knowledge. You can translate problems into pragmatic projects. Therein, you play an advisory and initiating role.. You are also a professional partner for our business groups in your area of expertise, liaising with International R&D Departments and other functions such as Engineering and Quality. Within the Danone organization, you will join a group where there are several specialists working in process technology & process engineering.

Your key-responsibilities will be:

• Management of projects: deliver projects or work packages (building blocks, specifications, guidelines) for its field of activity.

• Builds collaborative projects with scientific institutes and key technology suppliers to explore Danone's interest in model development.
• Establishes recommendations/Guidelines to facilitate their implementation in the regions. (Through the writing of Global technical Standards (GTS) and the organization of training for Danone teams)
• Drive industrial digitalization by developing Digital Twins where relevant
• Training & deployment of web-apps?

• Evaluating project needs and constraints and assessing the best process modelling approach to be implemented
• Development of models within specific software suites – and designing and executing lab and pilot pilot plant trials to develop and validate models

What do you offer?

You have minimum a master’s degree or PhD in (Bio)Chemical/Mechanical Engineering from a Technical University or related field and work experience (0-3 years) in a relevant process industry.

We also ask:

• Proven experience in modelling of production processes;
• Experience with various unit operations such as filtration, fermentation, centrifugation, evaporation, and drying is a plus;
• Good programming skills in MATLAB/Simulink, Apsen Plus/Custom Modeler, gPROMS or another equation-oriented modeling package;
• Experience with maintaining a linux cluster is a plus
• Ability to organize your own work and work in teams in a customer-oriented way;
• Result-oriented, proactive and pragmatic attitude towards work and monitoring progress;
• A good command of oral and written English, French is a benefit;
• Good communication and social skills.

What we offer?

• Moving to The Netherlands for a term is possible
• Working in a global, multi-cultural R&D organization providing growth opportunities
• Opportunity to contribute to the food revolution

Danone France is not trying to be the best company in the world, but the best company for the world!
That's why all 26 of our brands in France are B Corp™ certified.
B Corp is the compass that guides our CSR strategy!
This certification allows us to challenge ourselves, continually improve and measure our social and environmental performance.

Danone's research and innovation (R&I) centre, located in Gif-sur-Yvette on the Saclay plateau, is a global center of excellence dedicated to food innovation research.
Inaugurated in 2023, this ultra-modern center is at the heart of one of the world's leading scientific hubs.
It is home to more than 500 passionate experts of 40 different nationalities, working in the fields of life sciences, health and nutrition, consumer experience and the development of tomorrow's products.
Equipped with laboratories and pilot facilities, it supports innovation and development.
The Danone R&I Center is part of a global research ecosystem designed to foster collaboration with food technology start-ups and accelerate innovation in partnership with consumers and food and health stakeholders.

We are proud to promote diversity and equal opportunities within our teams. We believe that our differences make a difference and that an inclusive working environment will stimulate our growth as a company, as teams and as individuals. We will therefore consider all applications*, promoting an inclusive working culture where everyone can feel they belong.

We have also decided to remove inclusive writing from our job offers because its complexity penalises people with cognitive disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysphasia or apraxia.

*All applications will be considered regardless of origin, background, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability...

One Planet, One Health - BY YOU!

Our four ‘HOPE’ values: HUMANISM, OPENNESS, PROXIMITY and ENTHUSIASM serve as our compass.

Every day, you will make decisions that have an impact on our economic and social performance, as well as on our ability to achieve our ambitions.
At Danone, you can simply be yourself. We believe it's up to YOU to define the way you work, develop and grow.
With us, you'll work in a challenging, authentic and caring environment.