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Danone's Research & Innovation (R&I) center is a global center of excellence dedicated to food innovation. This state-of-the-art center is at the heart of one of the largest international scientific clusters. It houses more than 500 experts from 40 nationalities passionate about life sciences, nutrition, consumer experience, pilots, and product design. Danone's R&I center is designed to foster collaboration with food tech startups and accelerate innovation in partnership with consumers and partners around food and health

The Medical & Nutritional Science (M&NS) department is hiring a Senior Scientist  in the Life Science & Innovation team. The position is based in Gif-sur-Yvette on the Saclay plateau at the Danone Global Research & Innovation Center Daniel Carasso, which is at the heart of Danone's Research & Innovation. The center comprises state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot workshops, with employees working collectively to innovate on dairy and plant products, waters, and specialized nutrition for the future.

About the Role

The Medical & Nutritional Science Department is seeking a Molecular Microbiologist & Systems Biology Scientist to join Danone's Global Research & Innovation Center in Gif-sur-Yvette, France. Located at the heart of Danone’s R&I ecosystem, the center brings together state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot facilities dedicated to shaping the future of dairy, plant-based products, waters, and specialized nutrition.

Within the Biotics Team, whose mission is to identify and select novel biotics for fresh dairy products and specialized nutrition, you will contribute to the characterization and selection of microbial strains from Danone’s bacterial collection using omics technologies and systems biology approaches.

In this role, you will propose and implement innovative microbial selection and functional fermentation strategies to unlock innovation and value creation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects aimed at identifying and characterizing probiotic strains.
• Design and coordinate laboratory experiments and leverage appropriate bioinformatics tools for analyses of omics datasets.
• Deliver scientific insights on fermentation processes and the health-related bioactive compounds generated during fermentation.
• Strengthen the scientific credibility and visibility of Danone through external collaborations and scientific communications.
• Maintain awareness of advances in systems biology and build strong relationships with external experts, academic partners, and key suppliers
• Manage scientific collaborations with external organizations, including contractual, relationship-management, and scientific aspects.
• Translate scientific findings into actionable knowledge supporting innovation and business priorities across Danone brands.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Microbiology or a closely related field.
• Strong knowledge of microbial physiology and the role of microorganisms in food fermentation processes.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a research laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience applying systems biology approaches within the food industry, including genomics, metabolomics and metabolic modeling.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong scientific rigor and analytical mindset.
• Ability to manage complex research projects and multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent teamwork and collaborative skills.
• Innovative thinker with a co-creation mindset extending beyond own area of expertise.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong networking and relationship-building capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in bioinformatics and comparative genomics.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Python and/or R.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis methods and data interpretation.
• Previous experience managing research programs and external scientific partnerships.

Danone is proud to promote inclusion and equal opportunities. We truly believe that our diversity will make the difference and that an inclusive environment will make us grow as a company, as a team, and as people. We therefore consider all applications* to ensure an inclusive corporate culture where everyone can feel like they belong.

*All applications will be considered irrespective of origins and ethnicity, personal background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability.

At Danone, we guarantee that you can simply be yourself. We believe that it's up to you to define the way you work, to develop yourself, to progress. With us, you'll work in an exciting, complex, and challenging environment. This is how you will create new opportunities! You will work with world-renowned brands such as Blédina, Evian, or Actimel. Be innovative, enterprising, and the impact you will have will impress you. Join our movement for a more sustainable world. One Planet One Health BY YOU.

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