Senior Microbiology Scientist
(Haps – fulltime)

Within the Quality and Food Safety organization of Danone, sits the Global Analytical Excellence function.  The mission of the Global Analytical Excellence function is to ensure a highly responsive, reliable and cost-effective QFS laboratory network, gathering internal and external capabilities, to deal with all analytical needs, from emerging topics to regulatory requirements, to protect consumers and patients trusting our brands.

The role of SN AE Senior Microbiology Scientist forms part of the Global Analytical Excellence function and will be responsible for running the WGS platform for routine cases, strictly adhering to the established workflow. You will continuously challenge and improve the WGS workflow by optimizing it to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, you will ensure that the WGS data provides the maximum value to Danone's business by introducing the necessary tools.

You will also support supply points with your microbiology expertise, contributing to the overall success and quality of our operations.

In this role, you report directly to the SN Microbiology AE Leader.  

Your main responsibilities

Based at Haps, Netherlands, but acting in a global capacity as part of the Analytical Excellence team, your main job dimensions will be to

• Contribute to the development of Danone’s strategic direction on genomics, computational biology & bioinformatics 
• Define appropriate approaches and methodologies for analysis and microbiological interpretation of genomic data to support hazard identification, characterization and risk assessment of microorganisms relevant to the food industry
• Provide for accurate and timely analysis of sequencing data in accordance with business timelines
• Implement comparative taxonomic and functional analyses
• Responsibility for the design, development and dissemination of user-friendly tools and databases related to genomic data; driving the collection of appropriate meta-data
• Promote the acceptance and adoption of genomic approaches internally and externally
• Develop an outstanding academic and external network and represent Danone in external engagements (conferences, technical meetings/forums etc.)
• Monitor the external regulatory and scientific environment, to anticipate, advise and react internally and externally
• Support the analytical microbiology compliance
• Driving productivity through alternative method recommendation, approval and implementation throughout the Danone lab network.

You are a team player who can easily connect with cross functional departments and strong in stakeholder management. You have strong communication skills to communicate with all levels and can easily build effective working relationships. For this role it is important to have a proactive attitude and to act as an expert and leader in your field internal and external to the company.

In addition, you fit this role perfectly because you are/have:

• A master’s or PhD degree in microbiology with specialization in food microbiology genomics and applications in food industry 
• Familiarity with genomic methods, bioinformatics databases, resources, and tools
• Experience in food manufacturing industry microbiology (pathogenic, spoilage, and hygiene indicator microorganisms; environmental contaminants)
• Ability to work with scientists from other disciplines to understand and define problems
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to technical and non-technical audiences; written and spoken English
• Ability to lead and motivate others
• An understanding of statistical analysis and/or application of mathematical techniques

Working at Danone is a unique experience. It’s fast-paced and complex and, at times, it can get a little challenging. But it’s packed with opportunities to learn and grow working with some of the best-known brands in the world, like Evian, Alpro, Nutricia, Activia and Nutrilon. Bring your unique perspective, ambitions and entrepreneurial ideas to the table – the impact you could make might just surprise you. One Planet. One Health – BY YOU.
We’re proud to be a B-Corp certified company. That means we meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability in everything we do. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we base our hiring decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.*
* all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status

We Offer
It’s an exciting time to join Danone as a Senior Microbiology Scientist. You’ll build meaningful relationships and networks working with large, dynamic brands. And the best part? You’ll be supported to grow an impactful career that you can be proud of. Together, we’ll build a healthier world.
All Danoners receive a complete package of benefits. This includes a competitive salary and yearly bonus, a premium free pension and great discounts on health insurance and Danone products. We understand the importance of flexibility and offer 30 days of annual leave (with the opportunity to purchase more).
What’s next?
It’s simple – hit the “apply” button before the application deadline of March 3. 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 me: Sigrid van der Poel-Kreike, Talent Acquisition Manager on sigrid.kreike@danone.com or the Hiring Manager Armen Takgyozyan on  Armen.Takgyozyan @danone.com

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