Internship : R&D Fermentation Engineer

Puratos; Andenne; Sur place; EUR 6 700 - 13 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Puratos is offering an internship in the Sourdough and Grains department for a 4–6 month period in Belgium. The intern will work on developing and optimizing a sourdough, improving its performance and organoleptic properties, and participating in formulation work with the R&D team.

The role requires a bachelor’s or master’s student in food sciences or related fields, strong communication skills, and fluency in French and/or English.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in food sciences, food technology, bioengineering, or related studies.
• Interest in R&D and bakery, pastry or chocolate.
• Excellent communication, presentation, planning and organizational skills.
• Fluent in French and/or English; willingness to work in Belgium.

Responsabilités

• Improve the organoleptic and functional qualities of a specific sourdough through innovative ingredients and process optimization.
• Characterize sourdough performance via leavening power, acidification, baking test and sensory analysis.
• Report and present progress regularly in team meetings.
• Contribute to formulation work and recipe optimization for quality and consistency.
• Design experiments with a scientific approach, considering sustainability and health aspects.
• Perform bibliographic research to support experiments and propose new ideas.
• Prepare internal reports and participate in lab team meetings and briefings.
• Maintain and clean equipment and workspaces; support continuous lab improvements.
• Collaborate with HQ R&D and Marketing teams on internal projects when needed.

Connaissances

Communication skills

Planning and organization

Proactive

Dynamic

Interest in bakery

Formation

Bachelor's or Master's in Food Sciences / Food Technology / Bioengineering or related studies

Description du poste

You will collaborate with the Sourdough and Grains department of the business unit on an exciting development project in the field of bakery.

Your mission and main tasks:

• You will improve the organoleptic and functional qualities of a specific sourdough through innovative ingredients and optimization of process conditions (at the laboratory scale and in 15L bioreactors).
• You will characterize the sourdough in terms of performance and organoleptic improvement: leavening power, acidification, baking test & sensory analysis.
• You will report and present regularly during team meetings and briefings.
• You will be involved in formulation work and recipe optimization to enhance product quality and consistency.
• You will design and conduct experiments, using a scientific approach to validate hypotheses and optimize processes, taking into account sustainability and health-related considerations.
• You will carry out bibliographic research to support your experimental work and propose innovative ideas based on the latest scientific and technological developments.
• You will prepare internal reports and present your progress regularly during team meetings and briefings.
• You will contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory practices and organization, as an active member of the lab team.
• You will ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of equipment and workspaces.
• You will perform tests for internal R&D projects and may occasionally collaborate with the headquarters’ R&D and Marketing teams.

Who are we looking for?

• You are pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in food sciences, food technology, bioengineering, or related studies; with an interest in microbiology.
• You are eager to learn more about R&D.
• You are dynamic, pragmatic, and proactive.
• You have good communication, presentation, planning, and organizational skills.
• You are genuinely interested in the world of bakery, pastry, or chocolate.
• You are fluent in French and/or English.
• Having initial experience in the food sector is a plus.
• You are looking for an internship lasting 4 to 6 months (or more) in Belgium.
• You preferably have a car but the train station is 10 minutes away by bike.

Practical info’s

• Period of the internship : Starting in January 2027
• Duration of the internship : minimum 4 months
• Location of the internship: Puratos Andenne
• To be eligible for this role, candidates must hold a valid work and residence authorization allowing employment in Belgium.Puratosis not sponsoring work permits or visa applications for this position.

Who are we?

Puratos is a growing, international, Belgian family business with a team of more than 11 000 employees worldwide. Since 1919, we have been developing, producing and distributing innovative ingredients for the bakery, patisserie and chocolate sectors and helping our customers to be successful. We are committed to the health and well-being of people and protecting the planet.

Are you looking for the right recipe for your career? Choose Puratos, a Top Employer in Belgium.

We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace, that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.

At Puratos Belgium, we offer a wide range of career opportunities across our HQ, and 5 production sites. Our dedication to safety, health and wellbeing, along with respectful collaboration, empowers our employees to innovate and grow together. Our headquarters is in Groot-Bijgaarden, and we have five production sites located in Groot-Bijgaarden, Erembodegem, Lummen, Andenne, and St-Vith. Driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, we pave the way for career growth and meaningful contributions within our company, the industry, and the communities we serve.
We are a People First organization driven by our values and Puratos magic culture. Join us to drive positive change through food innovation for good.

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.We are more than 10.000 employees in over 80 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.