Senior Research Scientist - Maillard Reaction & Flavor Chemistry (f/m/d)

Permanent employee, Full-time · München

Do you want to make a delicious difference?

As our Maillard Reaction & Flavor Chemistry Senior Research Scientist you will improve our Choviva Concentrate flavor base. You increase the potency of the flavor of the concentrate and improve the quality by engineering the flavor closer to genuine cocoa. You will also be improving the color of our concentrate.

A Taste of What to Expect

Maillard Reaction Optimization: Design, execute, and refine Maillard reactions to achieve targeted flavor, aroma, and color in cacao-free chocolate
Product Development: Integrate Maillard reaction products into formulations, ensuring stability and compatibility with ingredients and processing conditions
Ingredient Selection: Source and test raw materials to control reaction outcomes and develop cacao-like flavors
Research & Development: Apply the latest research in Maillard reactions and flavor chemistry to innovation projects
Documentation & Reporting: Record experiments, analyze results, and present findings to stakeholders
Quality & Safety Compliance: Ensure all reactions meet food safety regulations and industry standards

The Perfect Recipe of Skills & Experience

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Food Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Food Science, or a related discipline with a focus on Maillard reaction chemistry
Minimum of 3 years in a similar role, with specific experience working on Maillard reactions in the food industry, ideally focused on chocolate or flavor development
At least theoretical knowledge in analytical techniques (e.g., GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC) to analyze Maillard reaction products and reaction pathways
Advanced understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and factors influencing Maillard reactions, such as temperature, pH, time, moisture content, etc.
Experience with designing reaction systems to control or manipulate flavor, aroma and color outcomes
In-depth understanding of food safety and regulatory guidelines, especially concerning Maillard reaction byproducts (e.g., acrylamide) and familiarity with sustainable ingredient sourcing and processing practices

A Sweet Package

Healthy, Delicious Meals: Fresh, subsidised daily lunches, along with unlimited snacks and drinks to keep you energised
Generous Vacation Time: 30 days of paid holiday each year to recharge and pursue your personal passions
Work-Life Flexibility: Flexible working hours, and a flat-hierarchy environment where collaboration and open communication thrive
Supporting Healthy Lifestyle: Discount to Urban Sports Club so you can stay active and fit
Team-Building Events: Strengthen connections and foster a positive team dynamic
Sensory Experiences: Evaluate and contribute to the flavour, colour, and aroma of both current and future recipes
Chocolate, Every. Single. Day: Because who wouldn't want to indulge in delicious chocolate every single day?

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About us

We produce all-natural cocoa-free innovations without compromising on taste, quality, and sustainability to preserve the Earth for our children.

We are on a constant journey of discovery and driving meaningful impact. Through collaboration and shared success, we empower our team to take bold action and make a difference. Every role is designed with purpose, where together ideas flourish, opportunities expand and boundaries are pushed. Joining our team is a step toward to protecting the planet we love.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, starting from evaluating all applications fairly. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and abilities to apply.

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Your application!

We are excited that you are interested in Planet A Foods! Please fill in the following short form. Should you have any difficulties in uploading your files, please contact us by mail at people@forplaneta.com