Senior Scientist Enzyme Technology

Short Intro and About the Job

The Senior Scientist – Enzyme Technology drives the scientific discovery, characterization, and application of enzymes to support innovation across Danone product categories. The role includes leadership of a team composed of three scientists and one technician, and plays a central role in coordinating the internal Danone enzyme network as well as strategic relationships with external enzyme suppliers and partners.

The role combines technical leadership, people management, project ownership, and ecosystem management (internal and external).

Key Responsibilities

1. Scientific & Technical Leadership

• Guide the development of enzyme-based solutions to advance Danone's product development and innovation:
  • Demonstrated experience applying enzymes within complex food matrices (e.g., dairy, plant-based systems) to deliver targeted product functionalities
  • Strong understanding of enzyme–substrate interactions in heterogeneous and multi-component food environments
  • Proven capability to translate enzymatic activity into measurable product outcomes, such as improved texture, flavor, stability, and overall product quality

• Evaluate new technologies and integrate them into R&D pipelines.
• Provide expert input on enzyme function and product–process interactions to product developers and other functions

• Collaborate with the analytical science team to identify tools and methodologies.

2. Project Management & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Act as technical lead or project lead in cross‑functional project teams including Fermentation, Downstream Processing, Analytics, Application Technology, Regulatory, and Product Management.
• Translate business needs into technical workstreams and ensure timely delivery of milestones.
• Contribute to portfolio strategy, capability building, and technology roadmaps.

3. Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of scientists/technicians working in enzyme technology.

4. External Engagement & Innovation Scouting

• Act as a key point of contact for enzyme suppliers, fostering strategic, long-term technical partnerships.
• Collaborate with academic partners, CROs, technology providers, and ingredient or enzyme suppliers
• Scout emerging trends in enzyme technology
• Support patent strategy and preparation of IP filings, ensuring protection of innovations.

About You

Education

• PhD in Food Science and Technology, Enzymology, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Alternatively: MSc + substantial industry experience in enzyme technology.

Experience

• 7+ years in enzyme R&D, industrial biotechnology, or related fields.
• Proven track record of leading scientific projects and developing enzyme products or technologies.
• Experience managing or mentoring scientists/technicians.
• Industry experience in food ingredients, industrial biotech, or enzyme suppliers is a strong advantage.

Soft Skills

• Ability to work cross‑functionally and convert technical insights into business impact.
• Able to connect internal teams and suppliers to work efficiently toward shared objectives.
• Strategic thinking with hands‑on problem‑solving attitude.
• Ability to coordinate the enzyme tech ecosystem internally and externally

About Us, We offer and What's next

We are proud to promote diversity and equal opportunities within our teams. We believe that our differences make a difference and that an inclusive working environment will stimulate our growth as a company, as teams and as individuals. We will therefore consider all applications*, promoting an inclusive working culture where everyone can feel they belong.

We have also decided to remove inclusive writing from our job offers because its complexity penalises people with cognitive disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysphasia or apraxia.

*All applications will be considered regardless of origin, background, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability...

One Planet, One Health - BY YOU!

Our four ‘HOPE’ values: HUMANISM, OPENNESS, PROXIMITY and ENTHUSIASM serve as our compass.

Every day, you will make decisions that have an impact on our economic and social performance, as well as on our ability to achieve our ambitions.At Danone, you can simply be yourself. We believe it's up to YOU to define the way you work, develop and grow.With us, you'll work in a challenging, authentic and caring environment.

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