Senior Fermentation Technologist

Research & Innovation

About the job

Are you passionate about fermentation and eager to drive innovation in the food industry? Join our Advanced Technology Department at Danone Research & Innovation (R&I) in Utrecht as a Senior Fermentation Technologist. In this role, you will play a key part in developing and optimizing fermentation technologies, contributing to the next generation of dairy and plant-based products.

As part of the Ferment and Fermentation Team, you will lead projects, design innovative solutions, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure excellence in fermentation processes. Your expertise will directly impact Danone’s mission to create superior nutritional solutions that align with our One Planet. One Health vision.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead fermentation projects focused on tailored ferment/fermentation/biotics and anaerobic fermentation.
• Develop and implement innovations using commensal bacteria in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Manage the Bioprocessing Laboratory in Utrecht, ensuring best practices and continuous capability improvement.
• Collaborate with the pilot team to integrate anaerobic bioprocessing equipment within Danone’s global fermentation network.
• Conduct experiments on propagation, fermentation, and final product applications (liquid and powder) at lab and pilot scale.
• Translate research into industrial applications, optimizing processes from lab to factory scale across different product categories.
• Scout new technologies and establish partnerships with external experts to enhance Danone’s fermentation expertise.
• Ensure intellectual property management, including FTO (Freedom to Operate) analysis and patent submissions.

About you

To be successful in this role, you bring:

• A PhD or MSc degree with 6+ years of experience in Biotechnology, Food Science, Microbiology, Bioprocesses, or a related field.
• Proven experience in fermentation processes, preferably in pharmaceutical, specialized nutrition, or powder applications.
• Expertise in anaerobic fermentation (a plus).
• A hands-on mindset and a strong passion for fermentation technology.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken).

Danone’s Advanced Technology Department is dedicated to developing superior technological solutions that address consumer and patient needs. We focus on:

• Plant-based alternatives to dairy.
• Optimization of milk and milk ingredients.
• Innovative packaging solutions.
• Advanced ingredient development.
• Cutting-edge fermentation and bioprocessing technologies.

We work closely with R&I teams across Specialised Nutrition, Dairy, and Plant-Based categories to ensure that our innovations are successfully implemented at scale.

About Danone

Working here you’ll need to enjoy a fast-pace, complexity and it can get a little challenging. But it’s packed with opportunities. You’ll work with some of the best-known brands in the world, such as Evian, Nutricia, Activia and Nutrilon and we absolutely guarantee that you can just be yourself. Be innovative and entrepreneurial and the impact you could make might just amaze you. Join our movement for a healthier world. One Planet One Health BY YOU.

We are proud to be an equal employer. We are convinced our differences make the difference and that an inclusive working environment will drive our growth as a business, as teams and as individuals. We will therefore consider all applicants for employment* fostering an inclusive working culture that is accessible for all.

Did you know that as a B-Corp certified company, Danone Benelux meets the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability?

We Offer

At Danone, we offer a complete package of benefits, with a competitive primary salary and yearly bonus, but also benefits like a premium free pension, 30 days annual leave and several discounts on a collective health insurance and even on some of our products.

“Join our movement for a healthier world. One Planet One Health BY YOU.” Danone Team