Laboratory Supervisor

We are looking for a seasoned Laboratory Supervisor to join us on our mission!

About us

NoPalm Ingredients produces fermentation-based yeast oils & fats, made from agri-food waste streams that are perfect substitutes to palm and other vegetable oils in food, cosmetics, and home care products. Our products offer a two-sided solution that reduces both the use of palm oil and food waste.

Founded in 2021, NoPalm Ingredients is on a mission to challenge companies and product manufacturers to implement our local, circular, and sustainable oils as an alternative to palm oil.

By upcycling agri-food side streams into circular yeast oils, we are making a worldwide environmental impact, contributing to a waste-free world, decarbonizing the entire value chain with 90% less greenhouse gas emissions, and limiting the impact on natural habitats as we reduce land-use by 99%.

About the role

As our Laboratory Supervisor, you’ll ensure the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of our R&D lab. You’ll be a hands-on leader, responsible for supervising daily activities, supporting the development of our Laboratory Technicians, and maintaining high standards in experimental execution and reporting.

This role is ideal for someone who combines lab expertise with leadership skills and thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven start-up environment. You’ll be both executing lab activities as supervising your colleagues.

What You’ll Be Doing

Team & Leadership

• Supervise daily tasks of Laboratory Technicians to ensure timely, safe, and complete execution of experiments and analyses.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and day-to-day guidance to help technicians grow professionally and personally.
• Lead daily lab meetings (DLPC) and create the weekly laboratory schedule in alignment with R&D priorities.
• Conduct regular performance feedback and development conversations.

Lab Operations

• Ensure correct and compliant execution of experiments, internal analyses, and coordination of external analyses.
• Oversee laboratory equipment use, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Manage lab inventory: supplies, reagents, consumables.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient working environment in line with safety protocols and regulatory standards.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Ensure that all experimental and analytical results are accurately reported and communicated to Scientists.
• Coordinate closely with the Head of R&D and Scientists to align on priorities and workflows.
• Document procedures and help standardize methods (SOPs) as we scale.

Budget & Cost Control

• Support the management of the laboratory budget.
• Monitor lab-related expenses and help identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.

About you

You are a proactive and self-motivated individual who thrives in collaborative team settings. Your meticulous attention to detail ensures high-quality results in all your work. You have a genuine passion for the foodtech industry and sustainability, driving you to contribute meaningfully to our mission. More specifically, we are looking for someone who has:

• HLO or BSc in Laboratory Technology or a related field.
• 10+ years of hands-on lab experience, ideally with 5+ years in a senior or supervisory role.
• Strong command of lab techniques, equipment, safety practices, and quality systems.
• Experience in a start-up or similarly fast-moving environment is a big plus.
• Fluent in Dutch and English, both written and spoken (this is a hard requirement)
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Independent, proactive, and able to thrive in a flexible, evolving environment.

We value diversity and believe that our team's unique perspectives and experiences makes us stronger. While we may have listed specific requirements for this role, we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and excited about the opportunity to join us on our mission. Don't let a lack of exact qualifications hold you back from applying - we are excited to learn more about you and what you can bring to the table!

What's in it for you?

• A pivotal role in a fast-growing, purpose-driven company
• Competitive salary and Stock Appreciation Rights
• 25 days of vacation
• Commuting allowance and Pension plan
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Team outings & monthly get-togethers
• Visa sponsorship available for non-EU talent
• Great coffee (obviously)

This is a key role in a purpose-driven, fast-growing start-up and will provide you with the chance to contribute meaningfully to sustainability and innovation.