Developer (m/f/d) R&D – Plant-Based Proteins

DöhlerGroup; Darmstadt; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DöhlerGroup is seeking a skilled Protein Science professional to lead and expand our plant-based protein portfolio. The role combines technical data ownership, process development, and hands-on scale-up across pilot and industrial environments.

You will advise application teams on protein structure-function and ensure quality on raw-materials and processing. English fluency is essential; German is a plus.

Qualifications

• Degree in Protein Science, Process Engineering, Food Chemistry, Food Science or closely related discipline.
• Solid understanding of protein types, production fundamentals from raw materials, protein modification, and characterization techniques.
• Enthusiasm for protein structure-function relationships and understanding how raw protein ingredients perform in processing environments.
• Hands-on mentality with willingness to be on the shop floor during pilot plant scale-ups and industrial trials.
• Organized, reliable, and highly motivated fast learner with strong communication skills for interdisciplinary networking.
• Fluency in English; German language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Data Ownership: drive expansion of plant-based functional protein portfolio; own technical protein data in ELN or SAP.
• B2B Product Expertise: develop processes, advise on protein composition, molecular structures, functionality, and raw-material quality.
• Protein Science & Processing Advisory: build molecular-level understanding and advise application teams on protein attributes and production methods.
• Hands-On Scale-Up & Industrial Trials: provide technical support during scale-up from lab to pilot plant and production, on-line presence during trials.
• Analytical Characterization & Troubleshooting: perform SDS-PAGE, SEC analyses to investigate protein behaviors like aggregation or precipitation.
• Laboratory & Project Execution: maintain safety, drive bench-scale trials, manage cross-functional projects.

Skills

Protein Science

Process Engineering

Food Chemistry

Food Science

Biochemical tools

Shop floor presence

English fluency

Education

Protein Science

Process Engineering

Food Chemistry

Food Science

Tools

ELN

SAP

Job description

Company Description

We are a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the global food, beverage and life science & nutrition industry. We are all about mastering sensory experience and nutritional performance.

We are a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the global food, beverage and life science & nutrition industry. We are all about mastering sensory experience and nutritional performance.

We offer exceptional opportunities for passionate people who want to shape the future of nutrition in an entrepreneurial and impact-driven environment. Here, you have the freedom to take ownership and to thrive both professionally and personally. Be part of a highly committed team with a clear purpose: at Döhler, smart ideas have a way of becoming great products.

Together, we bring ideas to life.

Job Description

[Job Title]

Your Impact In This Role

• Portfolio Data Ownership: As subject matter expert for our protein range, you drive the expansion of our plant-based functional protein portfolio. You own the technical protein data, ensuring accurate raw material, process, and product information in our system management tools (e.g., ELN or SAP) in alignment with established portfolio procedures and ways of working.
• B2B Product Expertise: Drive process development as well as improvement. You serve as a specialist in protein composition, molecular structures, functionality, and raw-material quality as well as processing.
• Protein Science & Processing Advisory: Build a deep molecular-level understanding of our protein ingredients and advise application teams on how these fundamental protein attributes and production methods impact downstream behavior, helping them build functional blends and target application formulations.
• Hands-On Scale-Up & Industrial Trials: Provide technical support during process scale-up from laboratory scale to pilot plant and commercial production. You bring a pragmatic, hands-on mindset, actively being present on the line in both the pilot plant and industrial manufacturing environments during trials to establish parameters, troubleshoot real-time, and ensure smooth execution.
• Analytical Characterization & Troubleshooting: Perform and interpret standard biochemical protein analyses (e.g., SDS-PAGE, SEC) to investigate unexpected protein behaviors such as aggregation, precipitation, batch-to-batch variability, or matrix interference.
• Laboratory & Project Execution: Maintain high standards of laboratory safety and equipment upkeep, drive bench-scale trial execution, and actively manage interdisciplinary projects across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

Your Profile:

• Successfully completed a degree in Protein Science, Process Engineering, Food Chemistry, Food Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Solid understanding of protein types, production fundamentals from raw materials, protein modification, and characterization techniques, backed by familiarity with biochemical tools.
• Enthusiasm for protein structure-function relationships and understanding how raw B2B protein ingredients perform in processing environments.
• Hands-on mentality with a strong drive and willingness to be on the shop floor during pilot plant scale-ups and industrial trials.
• Organized, reliable, and highly motivated fast learner with strong communication skills for effective interdisciplinary networking.
• Fluency in English; German language skills are a plus.

Additional Information

What WeOffer:

• Work withpassion: We create an environment where passion meets profession. Meaningful work and positive energy inspire people to give their best and make lasting contribution to our shared success.
• Take ownership: We empower you to take ownership and share your ideas. Whatever your role, you have the opportunity to show initiative and make an impact.
• Grow yourway: With flexibledevelopmentopportunitiesacross departments and a global team, you can broaden your skills, discover newstrengthsand actively shape your career path.
• Thrive in a global environment: Join an international team bringing together multiplecultures,languagesand perspectives to sparknew ideasand inspiration.Through global collaboration, you expand your horizon both professionally and personally.
• The team always wins: We build real connections and grow together. By sharing knowledge and valuing each other’s strengths, we create a culture where trust and team playlead to shared success.

EqualOpportunities for All

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds regardless of age, ancestry, disability, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity or expression, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, social background or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

A good match starts with shared values. Complete our Culture Fit Challenge to find out how well your mindset aligns with the way we work.

Does it feel like a fit? Please note that we are unable to consider or return application documents sent by post.