Protein Application Scientist

Are you excited about unlocking the potential of next-generation proteins for the dairy industry?

Global demand for high-quality protein continues to grow, while traditional dairy faces increasing pressure. Precision fermentation offers new ways to produce functional proteins with high consistency and scalability.

Finding the right product‑market fit is just as critical as scaling production. This requires understanding how an ingredient performs in a food matrix and where it adds the most value. That’s where Interfood plays a key role.

By combining ingredient expertise, application knowledge, and market insight, we translate innovative protein ingredients into scalable dairy solutions.

Responsibilities

• Characterizing protein ingredients and their functional properties
• Developing finished product prototypes where proteins interact with other ingredients
• Optimizing protein functionality through blending or processing
• Identifying finished product concepts where precision‑fermented or specialty proteins create clear added value
• Collaborating with R&D and commercial teams to align technical performance with market needs
• Applying data‑driven insights to guide development and decision‑making

You ensure that protein ingredients perform optimally within real formulations — not in isolation, but in interaction with fats, carbohydrates, stabilizers, and processing conditions.

Your profile

• Analytical, data‑driven, and solution‑oriented
• Strong communication skills and team player
• Fluent in English; Dutch is a plus
• Master’s in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
• Experience in food product development, preferably in dairy (1–5 years, or a PhD)
• Based in Europe and willing to relocate within driving distance of Bladel

A day in the life of a protein application scientist 08:30

You grab a coffee and briefly catch up with your R&D colleagues about yesterday’s prototype trials. The texture of the protein bar you made was much firmer than expected, worth investigating further.

09:00

In our application lab, the Dairy Food Studio, you start a new test series comparing blends of precision‑fermented casein and whey protein. You measure solubility and heat stability behavior, carefully documenting the data.

10:30

You analyze the results and identify a promising direction. The protein dissolves well and you found the optimal blend in this first trials. You design a follow‑up experiment to better understand other relevant functional properties.

12:00

Lunch with colleagues — followed by a short walk outside. You chat about the weekend plans and enjoy the sunshine.

13:00

A commercial colleague joins you in the lab to review a prototype developed for a customer. You explain how the ingredient behaves in the system and where optimization is still needed before scaling up.

14:00

You review recent scientific publications and industry updates on precision fermentation, identifying trends that could impact future product development.

16:00

Before heading home, you update your project documentation and reflect on next steps, another small step toward making novel ingredients ready for real‑world food applications.

Your colleagues

Why Interfood? Interfood's entrepreneurial spirit, flat organization, and drive for change create a great atmosphere to work in. The enthusiasm generated by the teams' drive to make change and business happen is truly inspiring. Back in 2018, the R&D team did not exist. Today, the R&D team consists of 10 members worldwide, proving that Interfood is ready to invest in valuable ideas and innovations which drive progress and success.

What do you expect from your new colleague? In order to feel at home in Interfood, you need to be able to be a star in communication both with R&D, production and commercial stakeholders both internally and externally. You should have strong interest in how food ingredients work in food applications, and be open for change and a self‑starter. A couple years of experience in the B2B food ingredients or food development industry is key in this role.

Our offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• A dynamic and innovative work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Free delicious and healthy lunch and breakfast

Free gym inside our office

Travel within Europe

About Interfood

Interfood operates at the heart of the global dairy market, providing expertise and innovation in dairy ingredient development and application.

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