Lead Ingredient Scientist, Meat & Poultry Innovation

Boar's Head Brand; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Boar's Head Brand is seeking a visionary R&D scientist to serve as the resident expert on ingredients, applying scientific principles to research, develop, and improve meat and poultry products. The role emphasizes practical skills, data-driven decision making, and collaboration with Operations, QA, and Regulatory teams.

The candidate will formulate new products, improve existing ones, mentor staff, and lead development projects from concept to commercialization while communicating findings to

Qualifications

• Master’s in food science or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 6+ years in R&D food product development or related role.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data.
• Proven ability to lead complex research projects from inception to commercialization.
• Proficient in lab and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert on ingredients, functionality, and food safety.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Develop product formulations with new and existing ingredients and test results.
• Mentor junior food scientists in experimental design and data analysis.
• Set up and maintain an internal science lab and equipment.
• Provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders on ingredient functionality.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards (FDA/USDA where applicable) and company specs.
• Maintain accurate records of research, tests, and validations.
• Analyze ingredient and product stability, shelf life, and storage effects.
• Develop and execute research hypotheses and studies; use statistics to interpret data.
• Support regulatory documentation and labeling requirements.
• Assist in transition of formulations from lab to plant production.
• Conduct sensory panels and shelf-life studies.
• Formulate recipes to achieve taste, texture, and nutritional objectives.

Skills

Lead complex research projects

Analytical skills

Data interpretation

Communication

Laboratory proficiency

Regulatory awareness

Education

Master’s in food science

Tools

Lab equipment

Laboratory software

Job description

Boar's Head Brand is seeking a visionary R&D scientist to serve as the resident expert on ingredients, applying scientific principles to research, develop, and improve meat and poultry products. The role emphasizes practical skills, data-driven decision making, and collaboration with Operations, QA, and Regulatory teams.

The candidate will formulate new products, improve existing ones, mentor staff, and lead development projects from concept to commercialization while communicating findings to