R&D Lead – Native Fermentation & Plant-Based Innovation

About the role

We are seeking a senior R&D Lead to drive Grashka’s native fermentation platform and plant‑based innovation across Europe. The role combines scientific leadership, technology development, and industrial scale‑up, reporting directly to the CEO and founders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of fermentation technologies at multiple European production sites.
• Design microbial consortia, scalable protocols and integrate them into dairy and other food industries.
• Transfer innovations from laboratory to pilot and industrial scale, ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Build and protect intellectual property, collaborating with patent, quality, production and commercial teams.
• Support national, regional and EU R&D grant applications.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in R&D, food technology, fermentation or biotechnology.
• Proven track record of taking food innovations from lab to commercial scale.
• Strong understanding of patents, IP protection and food safety standards (HACCP, IFS, BRC).
• Experience managing R&D grants or EU‑funded projects.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on execution ability.

Required skills

• Fermentation process development
• Microbial consortia design
• Bioprocess engineering
• Intellectual property management
• Food safety and regulatory compliance (HACCP, IFS, BRC)
• Patents and IP protection

What we offer

• Senior leadership role in a fast‑growing food biotech company.
• Hybrid work model with international development scope.
• Performance‑based bonus and relocation support for international candidates.
• Potential long‑term co‑founder track and optional equity package.