Research Scientist- Fats and Oils

Job description
Background:
Melt&Marble’s mission is to enable the transition towards a more sustainable food system. We do this by using precision fermentation to develop the best and tastiest fats for plant-based foods. By engineering microbial metabolism, we can brew animal-free fats that mimic the structures and sensory properties of animal fats. The result: tastier foods, for people and the planet.
We are expanding our team and looking to attract enthusiastic & mission-driven people to join us on our journey.


Position summary:
We are looking for a motivated scientist with solid experience in lipid chemistry to work on application development for Melt&Marble’s fats. You will be our in-house expert on fat/oil functionality and part of our new food science division, working together with 2-3 colleagues. As one of the first employees in the food science division, you will have a strong influence on the product/application development direction at Melt&Marble, and will work cross-functionally with the other teams in the company to define further product iterations and help guide commercial strategy.
Our ideal candidate should have a strong track record in lipid chemistry, strong organizational skills, and a passion for using science & technology to solve tough challenges. The candidate should also be comfortable working in the dynamic environment of a start-up company, dealing with changes and constant iterations, troubleshooting challenging projects, and meeting tight deadlines.
Occasionally, some activities may require working outside of standard working hours. The position might require travel within Sweden and abroad.


Activities:
Assisting in defining target compositions and performance metrics for fats & oils for priority applications (e.g. meat & dairy analogues)
Defining evaluation methodologies and criteria for assessment of different fats & oils
Evaluating the physical, chemical, and organoleptic properties of different fats and oils based on above criteria
Testing fats and oils in different alternative protein matrices
Developing new formulations of Melt&Marble fats & oils in priority applications
Developing criteria and tests for lipid quality analysis/control
Preparing spec sheets for Melt&Marble fats & oils
Liaising with external stakeholders (e.g. service providers, customers)
Maintaining detailed records of experiments and results in Melt&Marble’s data management system
Preparing technical reports, SOPs, and presentations
Assisting in coordinating regulatory approval of Melt&Marble ingredients



Job requirements
Required qualifications:
Msc/PhD in Biochemistry, Food Chemistry/Science/Technology, Chemistry, or another relevant subject
>3 years of experience studying the structure and functional properties of fats & oils, preferably in an industrial setting
Solid familiarity with standard methods for lipid studies (e.g. AOCS)
Deep understanding of lipid chemistry, including thermal behaviour, oxidation/degradation, crystallization behaviour, and behaviour in food matrices (interactions with proteins & other lipids, water, hydrocoloids, etc.)
Experience with analytical methods and instruments to assess lipid quality (e.g. PV, AV, IV, etc.) and composition (e.g. GC-MS/FID, HPLC, lipidomics, etc.)
Experience with methods to assess lipid thermal behaviour (e.g. DSC, NMR)
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English



Bonus points:
Experience in analysis of the rheological properties of fats
Experience working with lipids in meat and dairy analogues
Experience in designing in conducting sensory tests for fats & oils
Experience in developing intellectual property
Experience/knowledge of regulatory approval for novel food ingredients
Swedish/EU citizen or permanent resident



We offer:
An innovative, interdisciplinary, and fun research environment where you can advance in your career
Unique opportunity to participate in innovative projects that solve real world problems
Work in the lovely city of Gothenburg- Sweden’s second-largest city. Gothenburg is a seaside city that offers a great combination of city life and beautiful surrounding nature
Flexible work hours, competitive remuneration, generous vacation package, benefits



Application procedure:
Applications should contain the following:
Cover letter- tell us about what excites you about this space and why you think that you’re a great fit for Melt&Marble (300 words max)
CV
Publication list (if relevant)
References: contact information of 2 current/former supervisors and 1 current/former colleague



Please submit all application materials in English


Please apply here - https://meltandmarble.recruitee.com/o/research-scientist-fats-and-oils


Application deadline: Rolling. We encourage interested candidates to apply early as applications might be evaluated as they are received.
If you have any questions about the position, feel free to contact us at hr@meltmarble.com.