Biochemicus non-food Nijmegen • Cosun Beet Company

Vacature in het kort

Volledige vacaturetekst

Are you a Biochemist with a passion for sustainability and circular innovation?

Would you like to delve into transforming co-products from the food and beverage industry into non-food bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, and functional ingredients? At Duynie, you'll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge of organic chemistry and biochemical processes in a hands-on, research-driven environment.

🚀 Your mission: Help shape the future of non-food biobased innovation.

At Duynie, we convert co-products into functional and sustainable bio-based solutions. As demand for biobased applications grows in a circular economy and aligns with our growth strategy, the need for deeper expertise is increasing. In collaboration with Cosun RD&I and external partners, we are seeking a specialist who can independently translate research into building blocks, biopolymers, natural fibers, and platform molecules for non-food applications.

In this senior role, you will serve as a subject matter expert within the technical branch of our R&D team. You’ll be responsible for generating, validating, and exploring ideas aligned with the strategic goals of the organization. Leveraging your expertise and experience—together with relevant partners and networks—you will develop and execute research projects that contribute to applicable and feasible innovation. This includes designing conversion routes, developing extraction and purification processes, and exploring innovative applications such as biopolymers, industrial ingredients, and bioactive compounds.

You will not only act as a chemist, but also as a project manager, strategic partner, and technical point of contact in various collaborations. The role offers freedom to initiate and lead your own projects to success. It calls for someone who can blend chemical depth with entrepreneurial drive and excellent communication skills.

You’ll also be responsible for:

Designing and conducting biochemical and analytical research

• Developing extraction, purification, and conversion processes for bio-based products
• Contributing to concept development and proof-of-concept studies
• Reporting research results to the R&D team and stakeholders
• Collaborating closely with internal and external knowledge partners

Duynie’s R&D team works with structured frameworks including portfolio management and project-based approaches. This role primarily operates within the NPD/NBD portfolio, with an advisory role across other portfolios and business activities as needed.

What we are looking for in a candidate:

• A university-level education (Master’s or PhD) in Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biobased Sciences or a comparable field
• Several years of experience in relevant areas, such as petrochemical non-food product/ingredient development, process design, process optimization, or similar disciplines
• Proven expertise in biobased innovation for non-food applications, combined with deep knowledge of molecular interactions, conversions, and functionalities
• An innovative and entrepreneurial mindset—able to operate beyond existing knowledge boundaries in both thought and execution
• Strong proficiency in analytical techniques and laboratory skills
• Experience with or strong affinity for non-food applications
• A curious and research-driven approach, with a keen eye for practical implementation
• A collaborative spirit and the ability to thrive within a relatively young, multidisciplinary R&D team
• Experience in setting up, executing, evaluating, and validating research projects—both independently and in collaboration with others

🌿 What we offer

In addition to a rewarding role within a company you can truly be proud of—thanks to its strong focus on sustainability—we offer the following employment benefits:

• A gross monthly salary based on a 40-hour workweek: €3,800 to €6,750
• Profit-sharing scheme
• 8% holiday allowance
• 30 vacation days (based on a full-time contract)
• Net monthly phone allowance of €15 (BYO device); subscription costs are covered
• Monthly health insurance contribution of €23.75 gross
• Pension scheme through PGB
• Travel allowance for commutes of 10 km or more (one-way)

Excited to apply? We look forward to receiving your application! Please click the button below to submit. If you have any questions about the vacancy, feel free to contact our recruiter, Berend Benraad, at .

Please note: We do not appreciate acquisition in response to this posting.