Research Manager Gut Health

Puratos; Groot-Bijgaarden; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group insurance

Dental insurance

Hospitalization insurance

Company car

Bonus

Training days

Health & Wellbeing benefits

Ownership of work

Job summary

Puratos is seeking a Research Manager Gut Health to lead applied research translating gut-health science into bakery technology and product concepts. You will guide study strategies and collaborate with universities, hospitals and partners to deliver market-ready solutions.

You will bring deep expertise in gut microbiome and prebiotics/probiotics, plus strong business sense and cross-functional influence. Expect a dynamic role with travel and external engagement.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in food science, bioscience engineering, nutrition, microbiology, biotechnology or related field.
• Approximately 7–10 years in research/innovation with gut health experience and ability to organize scientific or clinical studies.
• Strong knowledge of gut microbiome; experience with prebiotics, probiotics and/or postbiotics; food applications and bakery science is a plus.
• Research-to-business mindset: translate evidence into clear messages for stakeholders.
• Proven collaboration and influence across functions, countries and external partners.
• Excellent planning, prioritization, and communication for scientific and non‑scientific audiences.
• Willingness to travel ~25% for collaboration, conferences and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Act as scientific expert for gut health, covering microbiome science, nutritional value, claims, and regulatory considerations for bakery applications.
• Define research questions, endpoints, end-to-end study pathways; coordinate studies with universities, hospitals and partners.
• Translate discoveries and capabilities into technologies, formulations and product concepts (prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics).
• Lead transversal projects with Fermentation, THT, Health & Well-Being, Regulatory and Business Units; align priorities and milestones.
• Define applications and credible consumer messages with countries and customers; assess industrial feasibility.
• Share knowledge internally and externally; represent Puratos at conferences and industry events.
• Protect know-how via patents where relevant; plan resources and drive execution from concept to market.

Skills

Gut microbiome

Prebiotics & Probiotics

Clinical study design

Scientific leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

International travel

Education

Master’s or PhD in life sciences

Job description

As Research Manager Gut Health, youlead applied research and innovation projects that translate gut-health science into differentiated technologies and product concepts for baked goods. You act as the internal and external scientific reference for gut health, connecting evidence, nutritional and regulatory requirements, consumer trends, and business needs. In close collaboration with the GRS Fermentation team, THT, Business Units and external research partners, you shape robust study strategies and bring scientifically credible solutions toward the market. You combine deep research expertise with commercial awareness, customer focus and cross-functional influence to help build a strategically important gut-health portfolio.

What you will do

• Scientific leadership: Be the scientific expert for gut health, including microbiome science, nutritional value, nutritional and health claims, and relevant regulatory considerations for bakery applications.
• Research and clinical-study strategy: Define clear research questions, endpoints and study pathways, including in vitro, in vivo and clinical approaches, and coordinate the preparation and execution of studies with universities, hospitals and other specialized partners.
• Innovation development: Translate scientific discoveries, emerging trends and Puratos capabilities into differentiated technologies, formulations and product concepts involving prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics or relevant combinations.
• Cross-functional project ownership: Lead transversal projects with the GRS Fermentation team, THT, Health & Well-Being, Regulatory and Business Units, creating alignment on priorities, feasibility, milestones and market relevance.
• Business and customer connection: Work with countries, Business Units and customers to define applications and credible consumer and customer messages, while considering industrial and economic feasibility.
• Knowledge sharing and external representation: Build internal capability through training and best-practice sharing, develop an active external network, and represent Puratos at scientific conferences, seminars and relevant industry events.
• Intellectual property and delivery: Protect know-how through patents where relevant, plan and prioritize resources, monitor project milestones, and drive high-quality execution from research concept to market-ready outcome.

Who are we looking for?

• Scientific background: A Master’s degree or PhD in food science, bioscience engineering, nutrition, microbiology, biotechnology or a related applied-science field.
• Relevant experience: Approximately 7-10 years of experience in research, innovation or product formulation connected to gut health, with demonstrated experience organizing scientific or clinical studies.
• Gut-health expertise: Strong knowledge of the gut microbiome and experience with prebiotics, probiotics and/or postbiotics; experience applying this knowledge in food is essential, while bakery-science experience is a strong advantage.
• Research-to-business mindset: A research-driven profile with the ability to turn complex evidence into clear, compelling messages and solutions that gain support from business, customer and scientific stakeholders.
• Collaboration and influence: A proven ability to build trust, create alignment and lead multidisciplinary projects across functions, countries and external partnerships, with a pragmatic and inclusive approach.
• Execution and communication: Strong planning, prioritization and quality focus, combined with confident written and verbal communication for both scientific and non-specialist audiences.
• International orientation: Fluent English; additional languages are an asset. You are willing to travel around 25% of your time, mainly for collaboration, conferences and external partnerships.

What can you expect from Puratos?

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.

You will be welcomed in a dynamic work environment where passion for innovation, team spirit and continuous improvement is key. You can count on a competitive salary package with attractive benefits such as:

• Group, dental and hospitalization insurance fully paid by Puratos
• Company Car
• Bonus
• Minimum 5 training days per year
• A wide variety of Health&Wellbeing benefits
• Responsibilities and the possibility to take ownership of your work

Watch our corporate movie and feel the Puratos Magic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNRsBzuRlNI

Working at Puratos is choosing a Top Employer in Belgium!

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.