Join the Magic

R&D Manager Gut Health

Your Mission

As R&D Manager Gut Health, you lead applied research and innovation projects that translate gut-health science into differentiated technologies and product concepts for baked goods. You act as the internal and external scientific reference for gut health, connecting evidence, nutritional and regulatory requirements, consumer trends, and business needs. In close collaboration with the GRS Fermentation team, THT, Business Units and external research partners, you shape robust study strategies and bring scientifically credible solutions toward the market. You combine deep research expertise with commercial awareness, customer focus and cross-functional influence to help build a strategically important gut-health portfolio.

What you will do

• Scientific leadership: Be the scientific expert for gut health, including microbiome science, nutritional value, nutritional and health claims, and relevant regulatory considerations for bakery applications.
• Research and clinical-study strategy: Define clear research questions, endpoints and study pathways, including in vitro, in vivo and clinical approaches, and coordinate the preparation and execution of studies with universities, hospitals and other specialized partners.
• Innovation development: Translate scientific discoveries, emerging trends and Puratos capabilities into differentiated technologies, formulations and product concepts involving prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics or relevant combinations.
• Cross-functional project ownership: Lead transversal projects with the GRS Fermentation team, THT, Health & Well-Being, Regulatory and Business Units, creating alignment on priorities, feasibility, milestones and market relevance.
• Business and customer connection: Work with countries, Business Units and customers to define applications and credible consumer and customer messages, while considering industrial and economic feasibility.
• Knowledge sharing and external representation: Build internal capability through training and best-practice sharing, develop an active external network, and represent Puratos at scientific conferences, seminars and relevant industry events.
• Intellectual property and delivery: Protect know-how through patents where relevant, plan and prioritize resources, monitor project milestones, and drive high-quality execution from research concept to market-ready outcome.

Who are we looking for?

• Scientific background: A Master’s degree or PhD in food science, bioscience engineering, nutrition, microbiology, biotechnology or a related applied-science field.
• Relevant experience: Approximately 7-10 years of experience in research, innovation or product formulation connected to gut health, with demonstrated experience organizing scientific or clinical studies.
• Gut-health expertise: Strong knowledge of the gut microbiome and experience with prebiotics, probiotics and/or postbiotics; experience applying this knowledge in food is essential, while bakery-science experience is a strong advantage.
• Research-to-business mindset: A research-driven profile with the ability to turn complex evidence into clear, compelling messages and solutions that gain support from business, customer and scientific stakeholders.
• Collaboration and influence: A proven ability to build trust, create alignment and lead multidisciplinary projects across functions, countries and external partnerships, with a pragmatic and inclusive approach.
• Execution and communication: Strong planning, prioritization and quality focus, combined with confident written and verbal communication for both scientific and non-specialist audiences.
• International orientation: Fluent English; additional languages are an asset. You are willing to travel around 25% of your time, mainly for collaboration, conferences and external partnerships.

What can you expect from Puratos?

We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.

You will be welcomed in a dynamic work environment where passion for innovation, team spirit and continuous improvement is key. You can count on a competitive salary package with attractive benefits such as:

• Meal vouchers (10€/day)
• Group, dental and hospitalization insurance fully paid by Puratos
• Company Car
• Bonus
• Minimum 5 training days per year
• A wide variety of Health&Wellbeing benefits
• Responsibilities and the possibility to take ownership of your work

Watch our corporate movie and feel the Puratos Magic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNRsBzuRlNI

Working at Puratos is choosing a Top Employer in Belgium!

Shall we meet soon?