What is the role of a food scientist? 

food scientists play a critical role in the food industry, specializing in the research and development of new food products or processes. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety, quality, and nutritional value of food items, while also considering factors like taste, texture, and shelf-life. food scientists work to optimize food production methods, develop innovative food products, and contribute to advancements in the field of food biotechnology.

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QA Specialist

Location: Leeuwarden

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

In deze functie ligt de nadruk op samenwerking tussen meerdere QA-teams. Je voert dagelijkse kwaliteitscontroles uit, werkt aan borging van standaarden én ondersteunt bij projecten en optimalisaties. Jij zorgt dat alles klopt - van vrijgave tot documentatie en van hygiëne tot procesbeheersing. Wat ga je doen? Je voert QA-taken uit op het gebied van proces- en productbeheersing, hygiëne, kalibratie en vrijgave. Je bewaakt de uitvoering van schoonmaakprocessen (zoals CIP en visuele reiniging) en toetst op naleving. Je ondersteunt bij het uitvoeren van root cause analyses en het opstellen van corrigerende maatregelen. Je levert QA-input bij investeringsprojecten en de introductie van nieuwe producten. Je beheert QA-gerelateerde zaken rondom gebouw, apparatuur, revisies en glasprocedures. Je werkt mee aan het harmoniseren van QA-structuren tussen verschillende afdelingen of productgroepen. Je stelt QA-procedures en werkinstructies op en houdt deze actueel.

QA Specialist

Location: Bedum

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

In deze functie ligt de nadruk op samenwerking tussen meerdere QA-teams. Je voert dagelijkse kwaliteitscontroles uit, werkt aan borging van standaarden én ondersteunt bij projecten en optimalisaties. Jij zorgt dat alles klopt - van vrijgave tot documentatie en van hygiëne tot procesbeheersing. Wat ga je doen? Je voert QA-taken uit op het gebied van proces- en productbeheersing, hygiëne, kalibratie en vrijgave. Je bewaakt de uitvoering van schoonmaakprocessen (zoals CIP en visuele reiniging) en toetst op naleving. Je ondersteunt bij het uitvoeren van root cause analyses en het opstellen van corrigerende maatregelen. Je levert QA-input bij investeringsprojecten en de introductie van nieuwe producten. Je beheert QA-gerelateerde zaken rondom gebouw, apparatuur, revisies en glasprocedures. Je werkt mee aan het harmoniseren van QA-structuren tussen verschillende afdelingen of productgroepen. Je stelt QA-procedures en werkinstructies op en houdt deze actueel.

QA Specialist

Location: Hoogeveen

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

In deze functie ligt de nadruk op samenwerking tussen meerdere QA-teams. Je voert dagelijkse kwaliteitscontroles uit, werkt aan borging van standaarden én ondersteunt bij projecten en optimalisaties. Jij zorgt dat alles klopt - van vrijgave tot documentatie en van hygiëne tot procesbeheersing. Wat ga je doen? Je voert QA-taken uit op het gebied van proces- en productbeheersing, hygiëne, kalibratie en vrijgave. Je bewaakt de uitvoering van schoonmaakprocessen (zoals CIP en visuele reiniging) en toetst op naleving. Je ondersteunt bij het uitvoeren van root cause analyses en het opstellen van corrigerende maatregelen. Je levert QA-input bij investeringsprojecten en de introductie van nieuwe producten. Je beheert QA-gerelateerde zaken rondom gebouw, apparatuur, revisies en glasprocedures. Je werkt mee aan het harmoniseren van QA-structuren tussen verschillende afdelingen of productgroepen. Je stelt QA-procedures en werkinstructies op en houdt deze actueel.

Contracts Administrator

Location: Brisbane

Branche: Infrastructure

Expertise: Controlling

Experience: 0 years

This is a key commercial role supporting the full lifecycle of multiple projects. You will work closely with Project Managers, Estimators and Site Managers to manage procurement, track financial performance and maintain contract compliance across both new builds and major refurbishments. Key Responsibilities Prepare and manage subcontractor and supplier procurement Maintain and monitor project budgets, variations and forecasting Ensure contract documentation and processes meet compliance requirements Support claims preparation and monthly reporting Coordinate with delivery teams to ensure accurate commercial tracking

Project Engineer

Location: Amersfoort

Branche: Life Sciences

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 3 years

What will you be doing? Design and optimize machinery: Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to create, test, and improve filling and packaging equipment. Drive innovation: Lead technology scouting and identify emerging solutions to improve efficiency, product quality, and reduce cost and environmental impact. Manage projects: Take ownership of technology-related projects and substreams from concept through implementation-on time and within budget. Ensure compliance and knowledge transfer: Safeguard regulatory compliance (HACCP, GMP) and support teams through training, documentation, and implementation of new tools and systems.

Product Developer

Location: Wageningen

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 3 years

What you will do: Develop and implement new products, balancing nutritional value, sustainability, compliance, shelf life, cost, and sensory quality. Initiate and execute product and application tests at lab, pilot, and factory scales, analyzing results and documenting insights in clear reports. Present findings to stakeholders and peers, influencing product decisions and improvements. Maintain and enhance existing products through modifications, contingency planning, specification updates, and value engineering.

Project Engineer

Location: Almere

Branche: Machine & Plant Design

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 1 years

Je werkt aan de ontwikkeling van technische producten in uiteenlopende sectoren, zoals Food en Bulk. Je zorgt voor concrete verbeteringen in bestaande ontwerpen en denkt proactief mee over nieuwe toepassingen. Jij bent de brug tussen ontwerp en uitvoering - altijd met oog voor techniek, samenwerking en haalbaarheid. Wat ga je doen? Ontwerpen van nieuwe technische oplossingen voor diverse industrieën Optimaliseren van bestaande producten voor betere prestaties en lagere productiekosten Vertalen van klantvragen naar maakbare en innovatieve ontwerpen Aansturen van externe partijen zoals leveranciers en engineeringsbureaus

Development Specialist

Location: Amersfoort

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 2 years

Je voert renovaties uit aan bestaande producten, zoals kwaliteitsverbeteringen, grondstoffenvervanging en receptoverdracht tussen fabrieken. Je ontwikkelt nieuwe producten, waarbij je o.a. rekening houdt met voedingswaarden, claims, houdbaarheid, kostprijs en smaak. Je organiseert product- en applicatietesten op verschillende niveaus (lab, pilot, fabriek) en verwerkt resultaten in heldere rapportages. Je presenteert bevindingen aan stakeholders en werkt nauw samen met collega's van marketing, sales, supply chain, QA, technologie, inkoop en leveranciers.

Supply Network Planner

Location: Amersfoort

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Planning & Testing

Experience: 3 years

Wat ga je doen? Je stelt een optimale supplyplanning op voor de komende 1 tot 18 maanden voor jouw productgroep. Je houdt continu balans tussen de vraag, voorraden en productie- en verpakkingscapaciteit. Je signaleert knelpunten en kansen als input voor het S&OP-proces en neemt deel aan de tactische supply review. Je voert scenarioanalyses uit en ondersteunt financiële besluitvorming binnen jouw scope. Je stemt regelmatig af met de productielocaties over prestaties, onderhoudsplannen en capaciteit. Je werkt nauw samen met collega's van Sales, Demand Planning, Order Fulfilment en Productie. Je leidt of neemt deel aan projecten, zoals nieuwe productintroducties, procesoptimalisatie of datagedreven verbeteringen. Je verbetert processen, systemen en tools binnen de gehele supply chain.

Site Manager

Location: Brisbane

Branche: Infrastructure

Expertise: Controlling

Experience: 3 years

You'll take full responsibility for day-to-day site operations, overseeing subcontractors, driving program delivery, and ensuring a high standard of safety and quality across the build. This project is backed by a well-structured delivery team and a builder known for delivering complex industrial work across the region. Key Responsibilities Lead and coordinate all on-site construction activity Manage subcontractors to ensure timely and high-quality delivery Maintain compliance with WHS, environmental, and QA standards Monitor construction progress and address delays or challenges proactively Work closely with internal teams, consultants, and suppliers

What do food scientists do? 

food scientists are involved in various essential tasks to enhance and innovate the food industry. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, including food technologists, engineers, nutritionists, and marketers, to create and refine food products that meet consumer demands and comply with regulations.

 

In this role food scientists conduct research to understand consumer preferences, study market trends, and identify opportunities for new food product development. They work on designing experiments, conducting sensory evaluations, and analyzing data to optimize product formulations and manufacturing processes.

 

Additionally, they are responsible for ensuring that food products meet industry standards and adhere to food safety regulations. This involves conducting microbiological testing, evaluating food packaging, and implementing quality control measures.

 

Furthermore, food scientists contribute to the improvement of existing food products by conducting research on ingredient functionality, nutritional enhancement, and preservation methods. They play a vital role in addressing food-related challenges, such as food waste reduction, clean label formulations, and sustainable sourcing.

 

Staying updated with the latest advancements in food science, technology, and regulatory requirements is essential for food scientists. By integrating cutting-edge biotechnology in food practices, they can contribute to the growth and success of food-related research and innovation.

What are the required skills for a food scientist? 

To excel as a food scientist, individuals must possess a diverse technical and non-technical skillset. Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities are essential for conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing innovative food products. Excellent communication skills are necessary for collaborating with cross-functional teams, presenting research findings, and effectively conveying technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

 

Additionally, in-depth knowledge of food science principles, food chemistry, food microbiology, and food processing technologies are vital for ensuring the safety and quality of food products. Knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements is also beneficial when designing healthier food options. Acute attention to detail and organizational skills are crucial for managing multiple projects and adhering to strict timelines in the fast-paced food industry.

Where do food scientists work? 

food scientists can find job opportunities in various sectors, including food manufacturing companies, food biotechnology research and development laboratories, government agencies, and academic institutions. They may also work for food startups or collaborate with large food corporations to drive innovation in the food industry.

Common food scientist responsibilities 

  • Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams in food research and development projects;

  • Conduct experiments and sensory evaluations to optimize food product formulations;

  • Analyze data and interpret results to improve food quality and safety;

  • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and industry standards;

  • Research and identify opportunities for new food product development;

  • Improve existing food products through ingredient functionality and nutritional enhancements;

  • Contribute to food-related challenges, such as sustainability and food waste reduction;

  • Stay informed about the latest advancements in food science, biotechnology, and regulations;

  • Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to drive food innovation and success.

Qualifications for food scientists 

To become a food scientist, candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in food science or food technology are advantageous.

 

Other essential qualifications include:

  • 2-4+ years of experience in food research and development or related fields;
  • In-depth knowledge of food science principles, food chemistry, and food processing technologies;
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities;
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills;
  • Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality control measures;
  • A passion for driving innovation in the food industry and contributing to advancements in food technology.