Research Lead

Climate change and biodiversity loss are accelerating and threatening the foundations of our lives. Food, especially meat, is a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions. We know it, yet all too often we give in to our cravings and choose meat instead of sustainable alternatives. And did you know: global meat consumption is growing massively

We are convinced that irresistible enjoyment, not compromise, are key to changing people’s ways. What the world needs is new food, so delicious that billions of people indulge in eating it, saving the planet as a beneficial side effect.

There’s no time to lose. Join us now and let’s build this positive future together

**Are you a leader in product innovation?**

We're in search of a **Research Lead** with a visionary approach to be a driving force in our journey towards redefining the future of food. If you're passionate about creating exceptional culinary experiences and are excited to be part of a fast-paced startup environment, we would love to hear from you

Your deep expertise in food science and food chemistry for focus topics such as color change, color optimisation, complex flavour profiles, flavour delivery, flavour stabilisation, etc. will be instrumental in crafting products that captivate our customers and establish PROJECT EADEN with its unique fibertechnology as a trailblazer in the industry.

**Your accountabilities**

You will lead teams in developing mind-blowing steaks and other meat alternatives out of plant-based proteins to shape our product range. You are accountable for
- ** Leadership**: Lead and manage an interdisciplinary team, guiding them in developing innovative products. You are responsible for team development, fostering a culture of creativity and scientific rigour. Provide mentorship and guidance to food scientists and technologists and help the team to further grow their understanding of food chemistry.
- ** Research and Innovation**: Develop cutting-edge formulations and methodologies to enhance texture, flavour and color profiles of plant-based meat alternatives and to make them truly enjoyable. Deliver realistic sensory profiles along the entire experience, from smell and taste to chew perception.
- ** Product development integration**: Work closely and in a cross-functional way with our product development and process engineering experts to integrate your innovative formulations into current and new food products.
- ** State-of-the-art knowledge**: Stay up-to-date with industry innovation and ensure compliance with food safety. Conduct continuous market research to identify emerging trends in formulation innovations, new ingredients and processing methodologies.
- ** Management of external relationships**: Manage collaborations with external partners (e.g., academic institutions, laboratories, consultants, etc.) and suppliers to develop and source sustainable, high-quality and differentiating ingredients.
- **You are a good fit if **
- **You are passionate about science and food,** digging deep without losing sight of what’s important for the business.
- ** You** **test hypotheses with targeted, quick experiments** to assess the general viability of ideas and concepts to ensure efficient use of time and resources.
- ** You** **love to make distant goals tangible through detailed planning** and give your all to make your diligent plans work out.
- ** You can communicate effectively with external partners** to source new materials and meet tight deadlines.
- ** You are open-minded to and excited by the prospect of leading a diverse team** with a variety of different cultural and technical backgrounds.

**Your knowledge, skills and experience**:

- **MSc or PhD in Food Chemistry** or related discipline (e.g. Biochemistry, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, etc.)
- ** 10+ years experience in food R&D** or prototype product development in the food industry, ideally in the field of plant-based alternatives
- Experience in **leading a team** (ideally cross-functional)
- Deep experience in **flavour and/or color development**:

- In-depth knowledge about raw materials, ingredients and their interaction; specifically about **plant-based proteins, lipids and their texturization**:

- Knowledge of **DoE, analytical and experimental testing methodologies** within the food industry
- ** Hands-on experience** in: ideation, rigorous experimental testing of new formulations, ingredient functionality evaluation, and/or analytical characterisation and prototyping
- Demonstrated ability to successfully **lead and manage multidisciplinary teams**.
- ** Excellent communication** and organisational skills
- **We have just started.** We can build everything from scratch without any legacy or constraints
- **Some of the brightest minds believe in us.** We are backed by top tier VCs and awesome angels (happy to share details once we talk)
- **The time is now** It’s the beginning of a new era. Food is undergoing a massive transformation.