Utrecht/Hybrid

Mission Duration: March – 30 November
Team: Enzymes & New Biotech Ingredients – Advanced Technology
Location: Utrecht

Mission Overview: The mission aims to accelerate the discovery, evaluation, and integration of novel proteins to enable the next generation of compact formats in Adult Medical Nutrition (AMN). The role will contribute to transforming our ingredient ecosystem by identifying high‑value protein candidates, understanding their functional behavior in complex medical formulas, and unlock product development pathways.

Purpose of the Role: The mission holder will be responsible for unlocking the technological potential of emerging protein sources, with the goal of enabling smaller-volume, higher-density medical nutrition solutions that maintain optimal sensory, stability, and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate deep functional and techno-economic insights on solubility, stability, sensory impact, and processing compatibility.
• Partner with IDDC team to conduct feasibility assessments
• Develop and execute lab-scale and pilot-scale experiments to validate performance in compact formulations.
• Connect with the Danone P4G ecosystem to capture cutting-edge innovations in the novel protein landscape.
• Deliver interim updates and a final strategic recommendation package for R&D stakeholders.

Expected Outcomes: By the end of the mission, the candidate will deliver:

• A robust data package summarizing functional performance, formulation fit, and processing considerations.
• Prototype concepts demonstrating feasibility and value creation.

Meet your future manager! You will report to Leonardo CORNACCHIA, Sr Team Leader Enzymes, Biotech & New Ingredients. 

You bring:

• Strong background in protein science, food science, product development.
• Hands-on experience with protein characterization and formulation.
• Ability to navigate complex technical and cross-functional environments.
• Curious, proactive, and comfortable exploring emerging scientific domains. 

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 23-04-2026. 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 Ineke Attema, Head of HRBP. 

* 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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