Process Development Specialist (Downstream Processing)

Join Corbion’s Innovation Center Process Technology Team

At Corbion, we champion preservation in all its forms: preserving food and food production, health, and our planet.

Are you passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to innovative process solutions that truly make a difference? We are seeking a motivated and hands-on professional to join our Innovation Center Process Technology team.

The Process Technology group, located at Corbion’s largest global R&D site in Gorinchem, plays a central role in developing, improving, and scaling production processes. This site also houses our largest lactic acid derivative production facility, supporting our global business units. The team of around twenty scientists and technicians delivers innovative process design, development, and optimization across different scales, while driving technology transfer and implementation.

What you will do

As a Downstream Processing Specialist, you will act as a collaborative and practical expert, applying your theoretical knowledge and hands-on execution experience to lead efforts in development, optimization, and implementation of processes, mainly downstream (post-fermentation) processes. With broad knowledge of downstream unit operations and experience in technology transfer, you will play a leading role in preparing, setting up and executing experimental studies for development of new and improvement of existing processes. You will guide junior colleagues, ensure high-quality experimental execution, and collaborate across functions to deliver impactful results.

Key responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and implement downstream (post-fermentation) processes, including separation technologies (S/L separation, ion exchange, adsorption, G/L separation, extraction, electrodialysis) and concentration/powder production technologies (evaporation, UHT, spray drying, granulation, etc.)
• Lead experimental activities at lab and pilot scale, including experimental design, planning, setup, and execution
• Prepare and execute demo- and production-scale trials, translate outcomes, and support industrial implementation
• Support scale-up, troubleshooting, and optimization of new and existing processes at Corbion sites or external partners
• Operate lab and pilot equipment according to procedures, ensuring the highest safety and quality standards
• Develop and revise SOPs for both routine and non-routine tasks
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, compile results, identify learnings, recommend next steps, and highlight potential IP opportunities
• Document and report procedures and results in line with Corbion’s knowledge management standards
• Act as subject matter expert in downstream processing, contributing to the process technology roadmap and expanding technical know-how
• Collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary innovation teams (fermentation, microbiology, product development, business units, operations)
• Mentor, train, and onboard junior colleagues to support knowledge transfer and skill development

You bring

• MSc or PhD in (Bio)Chemical Engineering, Food Technology, Polymer Technology, or a related field
• At least 3 years of industrial R&D experience in process technology
• Proven experience in designing and executing proof-of-principle/proof-of-concept studies, preferably in innovation projects
• Hands-on expertise with lab- and pilot-scale downstream processing equipment, including troubleshooting
• Ability to translate industrial challenges into lab-scale studies and deliver effective solutions
• Experience working in operational or industrial environments is a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a result-driven and positive mindset
• Comfortable working in dynamic environments and resilient to change
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills; fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Willingness to travel internationally (up to 15%)

What We Offer

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation is encouraged and supported.
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of health, food, and sustainability.
• Access to state-of-the-art lab and pilot facilities and the chance to work alongside experts from various disciplines.
• A culture that values curiosity, ownership, and continuous learning.
• Competitive salary and benefits tailored to your experience and growth.
• Flexibility to develop your career within a global organization with a strong local presence.

Why join Corbion?

• Meaningful impact: your work contributes to medical innovations that improve lives.
• Learn & grow: this entry-level role offers opportunities for training, skill development, and progression toward more advanced lab positions.
• International environment: be part of a dynamic and diverse team.
• Innovative culture: room for initiative, ideas, and personal growth.
• Great atmosphere: a professional yet informal workplace where teamwork and fun go hand in hand.

Join us at Corbion and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference in preserving health and our planet.

About Corbion

Corbion is the global market leader in lactic acid and its derivatives, and a leading supplier of emulsifiers, functional enzyme blends, minerals, vitamins, and algae ingredients. We use our unique expertise in fermentation and other processes to deliver sustainable solutions for the preservation of food and food production, health, and our planet. For over 100 years, we have been uncompromising in our commitment to safety, quality, innovation and performance. Drawing on our deep application and product knowledge, we work side-by-side with customers to make our cutting-edge technologies work for them. Our solutions help differentiate products in markets such as food, home & personal care, animal nutrition, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and bioplastics. In 2024, Corbion generated annual sales of €1,288.1 million and had a workforce of 2,399 FTE. Corbion is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. For more information: www.corbion.com

Corbion does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. All candidates must be submitted by approved Corbion vendors who have been expressly requested to make a submission by our Talent Acquisition team for a specific job opening. No placement fees will be paid to any firm unless such a request has been made by the Corbion Talent Acquisition team and such candidate was submitted to the Corbion Talent Acquisition Team.

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