Senior Research Scientist - Food Physics - Aarhus

Arla Foods; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Arla Foods in Aarhus invites a Senior Research Scientist in food physics to shape global dairy innovation. You will translate complex data into practical recommendations and drive projects from lab scale to pilot plant.

Lead cross-disciplinary teams, collaborate with universities, and strengthen analytical capabilities in stability, structure and functionality while expanding Arla’s international R&D network.

Qualifications

• PhD in food physics, dairy science, or related field with 5–8 years of experience.
• Experience with dairy systems and strong food physics knowledge.
• Strong data analysis and experimental design skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects in food physics, delivering clear business impact.
• Translate analytical insights into actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with universities and internal teams to advance Arla's dairy technologies.

Skills

Food physics

Data analysis

Experimental design

Communication

Light scattering

Low field NMR

Drop tensiometry

Education

PhD in food physics/food science/dairy science

Tools

SLS/DLS instruments

Low field NMR

Drop tensiometry

Job description

Do you thrive at the intersection of science, innovation and commercial reality? Would you enjoy becoming the go-to expert in a specialised area that influences dairy innovation globally? For our Food Science team in Aarhus, we are looking for a Senior Research Scientist with a passion for food physic preferably with a strong understanding of physical stability, functionality and food structure of dairy products.

We have a global role in Arla R&D and are based in Arla’s Innovation Centre in Aarhus, Denmark. Our purpose is to transform food physics science into business opportunities for Arla. We drive food physics based research, partner up with product developers to create the future of dairy and support our production sites worldwide with ad hoc tasks. We are a team of scientists and laboratory technicians with vast experience within food science and we are eager to find a new colleague to share our scientific passions with.

“As a senior scientist you provide input and ideas for novel research projects and take a cross-disciplinary approach to mature such ideas to projects bringing business advantages for Arla. ” says Associate Director Mette Bakman

How You Will Make An Impact

As a senior scientist in food physics you will be a key partner in our strategic focus on developing the future technologies and products for Arla. By utilising your knowledge within physical stability, product functionality, food structure and your analytical approach, you drive science and innovation from lab scale to pilot plant trials and communicate this to your stakeholders. You will lead applied research projects and be a key partner in innovation projects with focus on food physics and you will translate analytical insights to understand and design stable and functional products. You will be responsible for handling multiple tasks in parallel and always as part of a team of scientists and technicians or a cross functional project team. You will be leveraging your professional networks and connect Arla to external scientific partners.

In this role you will combine your strong scientific skills with a business mindset. To be successful in this job you will

• Function as a food science specialist by translating complex knowledge and analytical data into clear recommendations to deliver business impact
• Lead research projects in the food physics scientific area, making sure they meet expectations for deliverables, time and resources. This includes internal applied research projects but also external research projects in close collaboration with our university partners globally
• Maintain, build and strengthen our in-house analytical competencies within structure, functionality and physical stability. This will be done in close collaboration with the laboratory technicians in Food Science

Scientist with a solid Food Physics background

You hold a PhD degree in food physics, food science, dairy science or similar relevant education with app. 5-8 years of relevant industrial or academic work experience on top. Besides in-depth knowledge within food physics and experience working with dairy systems any of the following skills will be advantageous

• Scientific knowledge and analytical competences within physical stability, product functionality, or microstructure during processing, shelf life and consumption
• High proficiency in advanced data analysis and experimental design to combine data from several analytical methods to deliver recommendations that enables the business
• Communication skills Translate complex data and scientific knowledge into clear recommendations to deliver business impact
• Practical experience with analytical methods Light scattering (SLS, DLS), Low field NMR or Drop tensiometry

What We Offer

A position where you will be at the cutting edge of research in your field. A dynamic job where you will have some travel days visiting our sites, universities as well as external collaboration partners. A true learning experience, as some of your tasks will be longer term and some shorter term, you can always be sure to be challenged with tasks inside and outside of your scientific comfort zone.

An international environment where scientific knowledge sharing and continuous learning are key words. An opportunity to shape and lead a key scientific area, where your expertise, ideas and scientific judgement serves as a platform for translation of research into business. Last but not least we offer you a team that values open communication, good team spirit, trust and respect.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.

Ref. 105422