Do you want to lead innovative projects that shape the future of food? Grassa is looking for a driven and visionary R&D Director. Help the scale-up of the revolution in plant based protein production and strengthen the management team!
Grassa zoekt een ervaren R&D Director
R&D Director at Grassa B.V.
Do you want to lead innovative projects that shape the future of food? Grassa is looking for a driven and visionary R&D Director. Help the scale-up of the revolution in plant based protein production and strengthen the management team!
Company: Grassa B.V.
Location: Wageningen, the Netherlands
About Grassa: Grassa is a start-up that extracts high-quality protein from a huge forgotten resource: LEAF material. Our LEAF protein is the nutritionally perfect replacement for imported soy and can be extracted from almost any type of LEAF. We have developed a revolutionary concept around grass, the world's largest cultivated LEAFy biomass. In collaboration with dairy farmers, we transform grass into valuable plant-based proteins that can be directly eaten by humans. It provides farmers with an additional income model on their grass. Furthermore, with the side product “opened grass” milk production becomes far more sustainable.
At Grassa we make smart use of existing resources and already established production methods. Join our mission to not only to feed the world with locally produced and affordable LEAF protein, but also strengthen the income models of dairy farmers, whilst facilitating them to embrace the transition from animal based to plant based production .
Take it of LEAF it (position overview): We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced R&D Director to join our company. The R&D Director will be responsible for building and leading our research and development team, as well as developing and managing our laboratory facilities.
This role involves overseeing all process steps in our grass protein extraction process, ensuring that our products will meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability, at pilot scale and beyond. The R&D Director will be part of the Management Team of Grassa. Grassa is a small and young company, so we expect everyone to pitch in and help us grow, professionalize and structure towards the future.
LEAF No Stone Unturned (key responsibilities):
1. Team Building and Leadership:
- Design, recruit, train, and manage a high-performing R&D team.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members.
2. Lab Establishment and Management:
- Set up and equip the R&D laboratory with the necessary tools and technologies.
- Develop and implement lab protocols, procedures, and safety guidelines.
3. Process Investigation and Optimization:
- Oversee the investigation of all steps in the grass protein extraction process.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and yield.
- Develop and optimize methods for processing extracted proteins into food-grade products.
4. Collaboration and Communication:
- Collaborate with colleagues in Operations, Logistics, Business Development and Innovation.
- Communicate research findings and project updates to stakeholders.
LEAF your Impact (qualifications):
- Bachelor or Master in Food Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in R&D, preferably within the food or biotech industry.
- Capable of successfully leading and managing R&D teams and projects.
- Strong knowledge of protein extraction and processing techniques.
- Experience in managing laboratory facilities.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Open and flexible mindset with a knack for improvisation
- Passion for sustainability and innovation in the food industry.
You will not LEAF empty-handed (what we offer):
- Competitive salary
- Option to purchase shares at a discount and a bonus structure that results in ownership in the company
- Opportunity to solve the biggest societal challenge in the Netherlands
- Room (and responsibility) to co-develop a revolutionary company
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- The chance to make a significant impact on sustainable food production.
Are you ready to shape the future of food and LEAF your mark on a more sustainable world? Step into the green revolution with Grassa and make a world of difference, locally!
How to LEAF a lasting impression: Interested candidates should submit their resume and motivation outlining their qualifications and experience to Rieks@grassa.nl.
Deadline to LEAF your Footprint: July 15th