Scientist

Corbion; Lenexa, Northern (KS, KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Corbion, located in Lenexa, KS, seeks a Scientist to join the Food Microbiology & Preservation team. You will design and execute microbiological studies to evaluate preservation solutions across food applications, generating high-quality data for product development and safety.

You will communicate findings, collaborate with R&D and commercial teams, and apply predictive models to real food systems while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Microbiology, Microbiology, Food Science, or related discipline; Master’s preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in food microbiology, food safety, or BSL-2 lab.
• Hands-on microbiology testing including pathogen and spoilage organisms.
• Experience designing experiments and analyzing data.
• Familiarity with predictive microbiology models.
• Cross-functional R&D experience in a food science setting.
• Knowledge of USDA/FDA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct microbiological studies, including shelf-life evaluations, for preservation solutions.
• Analyze data and clearly communicate results to cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with global Food Microbiology teams and R&D, Applications, Commercial, and Business Development.
• Troubleshoot microbiological and formulation challenges in food systems.
• Support predictive models and data-driven tools for shelf-life and safety assessments.
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with safety/quality standards.

Skills

3+ years experience

Hands-on microbiology

Predictive microbiology

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Microbiology / Microbiology / Food Science

Master's degree is a plus

Tools

R

Python

JMP

Minitab

Job description

Scientist

Job Category: Research and Development

Work Location: On-Site

Office Location:

Lenexa, KS, US

Job Type: Full Time

Job ID: 6068

At Corbion, we exist to champion preservation in all its forms, preserving food and food production, health, and our planet.

Corbion is seeking a Scientist to join the Food Microbiology & Preservation team, supporting the design and execution of microbiological studies to evaluate and optimize preservation solutions across a range of food applications. This role involves generating high-quality data through lab studies and collaborating cross-functionally with R&D, Applications, and Commercial teams to translate results into practical solutions that support product innovation, food safety, and business growth.

Essential Functions

• Design and execute microbiological studies, including challenge studies and shelf-life evaluations, to assess preservation solutions across food applications.
• Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate experimental results through reports and presentations to cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with the global Food Microbiology teams and cross-functional partners, including R&D, Applications, Commercial, and Business Development teams, to support product development, customer-driven, and global innovation projects.
• Apply scientific knowledge to troubleshoot microbiological and formulation challenges in food systems.
• Support the use and development of predictive models and data-driven tools for shelf-life and food safety assessments.
• Maintain accurate documentation of laboratory work and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Stay current with industry trends and scientific advancements, and contribute to continuous improvement of methods and processes.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Microbiology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline. Master's Degree is a plus.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in food microbiology, food safety, or a related applied BSL-2 laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience conducting microbiological testing, including pathogen and spoilage organism studies.
• Experience designing and executing laboratory experiments and analyzing scientific data.
• Familiarity with predictive microbiology models or data analysis tools.
• Experience working in a cross-functional, industry-based R&D environment.
• Working knowledge of food safety regulations and guidelines (e.g., USDA, FDA).
• Foundation in food microbiology techniques, including pathogen and spoilage organism testing, aseptic technique, and standard plating/enumeration methods.
• Experience with predictive microbiology and modeling tools and ability to interpret and apply model outputs to real food systems.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and experimental design, including hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and interpretation of variability in microbiological data. Experience withtools such as R, Python, JMP, or Minitab.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Documentation, data management, and technical reporting skills.
• Routine exposure to microbiological cultures, food products, and standard laboratory equipment.
• Requires adherence to strict food safety, laboratory safety, and quality protocols, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Combination of hands-on laboratory work and desk-based activities, including data analysis, documentation, and report writing (70% laboratory & 30% desk).
• Collaborative, team-oriented environment with frequent interaction across cross-functional and global teams.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for extended periods while conducting laboratory experiments.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to see, hear, and communicate with others.
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Good manual dexterity for tasks such as using a keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Clear vision for reading documents, working on a computer, and other tasks that require visual accuracy.

About Corbion

Corbion is a sustainable ingredients company dedicated to preserving what matters, including food and food production, health, and the planet. We specialize in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, food preservation solutions, functional blends, and algae ingredients, using our deep application and product knowledge to propel nature’s ingenuity through science. With more than a century of experience, we continue working side-by-side with our customers to make our cutting-edge technologies work for them. Leveraging our advanced capabilities in fermentation and preservation technology, we help customers differentiate their products in diverse markets ranging from food and animal nutrition to home & personal care, pharmaceuticals, electronics, medical devices, and bioplastics. In 2025, Corbion generated annual sales of € 1,267.4 million with a workforce of 2,408 FTEs. Corbion is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. For more information: www.corbion.com

Corbion is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, handicapping condition, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.

Corbion provides reasonable accommodation to applicants.

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled