Developer R&D (m/f/d) - Natural Colours, Coatings & Glazes (Digital & AI-Forward)

Reference ID: 43077

Responsibilities

• Accelerated Product Development: Take ownership of innovative product developments and formulation processes for natural food and beverage colours, technical coatings, and glazing applications.
• Process Optimization & Scale-Up: Develop and optimize production processes for liquid and powder colouring matrices (blends, emulsions, concentrates) ensuring top-tier stability, intensity, and handling. Seamlessly support the scale-up from lab/pilot scale to global industrial production.
• Shape the Digital & AI Landscape: Act as our R&D digital champion. Frame what Agentic AI can do for our formulation workflows, propose concrete ideas to construct a more efficient operational landscape, and drive automated, data‑driven approaches within the lab.
• Analytical Excellence: Evaluate new formulations using spectrophotometric and advanced physical/chemical analytical methods, translating complex data into clear specification recommendations.
• B2B Client & Project Management: Lead fast‑paced customer and innovation projects based on market trends and raw material evaluations. Develop technical application recommendations for global B2B clients.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Coordinate directly with Product Management, Production, Regulatory, and Quality Assurance to ensure global alignment and cost‑effective portfolio harmonization.

Qualifications

• Successfully completed studies in Food Technology, Beverage Technology, Food Chemistry, or a comparable scientific field – ideally holding a Ph.D. with a track record of rapid learning.
• Either an ambitious mid‑level professional with initial natural colour experience or a highly adaptable academic ready to transition into the industry at an accelerated pace; proven ability to master complex natural matrices quickly.
• Strong conceptual understanding of advanced digital tools and AI applications (specifically Agentic AI). Ability to conceptualize how AI agents can automate workflows, structure data landscapes, and make R&D processes more effective.
• A proactive, inventive driver of innovative solutions who combines an understanding of B2B customer needs with excellent analytical skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English is mandatory. German is a strong plus to facilitate cross‑plant communication.

Benefits

• Culture: Friendly and informal atmosphere, family‑owned company, flat hierarchies, short communication channels, and helpful colleagues.
• Impact: Integral part of our business success and contribute to the future of nutrition.
• Empowerment: Opportunity to fully unleash potential and take on responsibilities.
• Digitalisation: Access state‑of‑the‑art technologies through partnerships with market‑leading innovators.
• Anniversary and special payments.
• Employee referral bonuses.
• Additional benefits: Christmas parties, events, financial benefits, and online shop discounts (e.g., IT leasing, mobile phone contracts, shopping, and travel discounts).

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applicants who are just as diverse as we are – regardless of age, ancestry, disability, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, social background or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.