Generation Plant: join our global movement

Are you excited to be part of Upfield Scientific Affairs team? As a Global R&D Microbiologist specialist you will support the development and implementation of global policies for microbiologically safe and stable products across our value chain.  

Location: Wageningen, Netherlands 

Hybrid 

About the position

In this role you will provide technical support with regards to anything about microbiology, in all projects from R&D, questions from suppliers, 3rd parties & factories. You will provide expertise to product innovation and development teams as well as operational functions by offering technical guidance, scientific insight, and training (R&D, QA, T&I, Engineering). You will work with our exciting category of: Spreads, Creams and Plant-based Cheese interacting, contributing, and bringing solutions to the business. 

So what are the key objectives / projects you will deliver ? 

-Enable the development of safe by design products, applying microbiological knowledge such as hurdles technologies and predictions models as well as review microbiological specifications for raw material, mixes and finished products.  

-Guide the implementation and critically re-assess for updates of the R&D Standards from a microbiological perspective (including hygienic design standard) 

- Responsible for the internal microbiological laboratory, compliance to GLP and results generated. Leading (and/or performing) necessary internal microbial analysis linked to R&D projects. 

-Provide expertise to product innovation and development teams as well as operational functions by offering technical guidance, scientific insight, and training (R&D, QA, T&I, Engineering). 

-Improve and enable necessary capabilities on Upfield’s factories and co-packers applicable to innovation projects such as plant-based; dairy free; vegan, preservative free and clean labels. 

-Technical support to Supply Chain (Quality, Engineering, T&I) including Sourcing Units and Third Parties (globally). 

-Coordinate ways of working with outsourcing laboratories for our R&D centre. First point of contact in case of questions. 

-Perform systematic troubleshooting for finished product (cross category) quality and food safety. 

So what does it take to be successful in this role? 

-Degree (Master preferred) in Food Microbiology preferred (or Food Safety). 

-More than 5 years’ experience in R&D or QA in a medium to large food or food-ingredients company is a must. This should include design of challenge-test studies, setting microbiological design rules and working in a lab.  

-Strong experience in food Microbiology, performing microbial risk assessments. 

-You have experience in analytical methodologies, GLP, ideally have worked within a certified ISO 17025 laboratory environment. 

-Expert Knowledge of microbiological testing methods and testing practices incl. microbiological sampling of materials and environment, method validation, and verification. 

-Broad knowledge of requirements from food safety standards, and industry practices in the field of food microbiology. 

-Knowledge about Basic Hygienic Design Concepts and Requirements. 

-Knowledge about HACCP and Aseptic Validations. 

-Solid understanding of manufacturing technologies and characteristics of food ingredients and products. 

-You have convincing skills and can communicate/present clearly and concisely, also when it comes to complex data. 

-Ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams and in multi-cultural environments. Able to cope with high pressure and challenging environment. 

-Proactive, fast learning and strong organizational and time management skills. 

-Have a passion for good food. 

What’s next  

If this position sounds interesting, please hit the apply button now! If you have additional questions, you can send myself, Andre Vleeming an email: andre.vleeming@upfield.com   

We understand your resume might not be up to date and recommend that you apply with what you have or your LinkedIn Profile. Upfield is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workplace, we understand that you might not meet all the requirements stated in the description, but we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this role or other roles.   

We prefer to receive your application before the 31st of May. The first stage of the process will be a Video interview with the recruiter, Milou van Regteren. 

Upfield is an employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunities for all. We recruit based only on values, qualifications, performance, skills, behaviours, experience, and knowledge. We ensure job advertisements are free from unintentional bias.    

No personal characteristics should be a barrier to joining Upfield. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.   

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