Research Analyst (Lab Technician)

Research Analyst (Lab Technician)

Are you someone who enjoys chemistry and physics? Do you want to understand everything about the components in milk and the roles they play in our dairy products? Are you curious about how these components interact in complex matrices during processing, storage, and consumption? Then you might be the research analyst we are looking for in the Food Analytics & Functionality team!

In our projects, we use in-depth knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of dairy, analytical methods, and their relationship to product behaviour to successfully bring product innovations to the market. Careful analysis of milk components and product structure forms a crucial foundation.

Ce que nous demandons

• A completed education at BSc level in analytical chemistry/physical chemistry or BSc life sciences/food technology;
• Experience with physicochemical analytical techniques is an advantage (such as DSC, rheology, LR-NMR, light scattering and microscopy);
• An interest or basic familiarity with analytical chemistry (e.g., GC-MS, HPLC) is considered beneficial;
• Preferably 2–5 years of work experience in an (industrial) research environment;
• Strong affinity with working in laboratory environments;
• Interest in processing and interpreting research results;
• Being able to speak English is a must;
• Good written and verbal communication skills;
• A team player with qualities such as social, goal-oriented, accurate, customer-focused, creative, proactive, and pragmatic;
• A proactive professional who takes ownership and shows strong initiative;
• A strong affinity for digitalization and lab automation, combined with a structured way of working.

Ce que nous offrons

As a research analyst, you are part of the Food Analytics & Functionality team. The group consists of about 11 employees. Within the laboratory team, you work closely with colleagues from other departments and disciplines within FrieslandCampina.

In addition, we offer:

• A salary based on job level, education, and experience;
• Various training and coaching programs to support your development and help you shape your own professional career path;
• An innovative working environment where digitalization and data-driven research are increasingly important;
• The chance to actively contribute to the future of laboratory automation within our R&D organization;
• We offer a healthy work–life balance, a competitive salary, and attractive secondary benefits such as a 38-hour workweek, 8% holiday allowance, a competitive pension scheme, a 5% year-end bonus and a performance related bonus.

Description du poste vacant

As a research analyst, you support the development of new dairy products and ingredients across FrieslandCampina’s full product portfolio. You work closely with physicochemical analysts and report to the Cluster Leader Food Analytics & Functionality.

In this role, you will:

• Participate in challenging projects and business support activities related to the physical and chemical properties of milk components and their influence on product characteristics;
• Independently plan, prepare, and execute laboratory experiments; interpret, document, and discuss results with project teams; and make recommendations for next steps;
• Advise colleagues on the application of specific analytical techniques and methods;
• Critically evaluate and lead continuous improvement activities for equipment, methods, and analytical techniques; stay informed about new developments in physicochemical analytical techniques; and implement relevant innovations where possible;
• Manage laboratory areas: together with fellow analysts maintain a tidy, safe, and hygienic working environment;
• Safeguard result quality through involvement in equipment maintenance and troubleshooting;
• Actively maintain analytical equipment and materials, including discussing technical possibilities, innovations, and service questions with suppliers;
• Contribute actively to the further digitalization of the laboratory as a key user of relevant digital systems.

Want to work with colleagues from 32 nationalities in R&D who work together intensively in an inspiring environment? Then here is your opportunity. Our Innovation Centre in Wageningen consists of four parts: a large pilot plant with cooling and storage warehouses and three buildings in which the offices and the strictly hygienic laboratories are housed. Pedestrian bridges and atriums connect the different parts with each other. The centre also includes an experience centre, an innovation kitchen and a test bakery. Here, consumers, customers and employees of FrieslandCampina from all over the world can experience our tasty products. In order to accelerate and strengthen our innovation process, we also work together with innovation partners such as Wageningen University & Research, other knowledge institutes, our member dairy farmers, customers and suppliers in the Innovation Centre.

As an analyst in the Food Analytics & Functionality cluster, you will be part of the R&D Product & Taste expert team of about 40 R&D colleagues in the Innovation Centre of Wageningen and Development Centre of Singapore. R&D Product & Taste is an expert team that combines expertise on sensory and consumer behaviour with deep understanding of food physics & chemistry. At Product & Taste, we don’t just support product development for our business groups, we shape it. For optimizing flavour and texture, ensuring product stability and uncovering what truly drives consumer preference, we’re the trusted partner that turns knowledge into impact.