Senior Research Scientist Life Sciences and Health

Senior Research Scientist Life Science & Health

Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we've grown into the world's leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe.

We work with our customers to make nutritional products even healthier. The oils we produce go into making infant formulae and (par)enteral nutrition products and are essential in supporting early life development and advancing medical nutrition. And it's not just food - we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier, and better for the planet.

Everything we do is about Making Better Happen.

AAK location: This preferred position for this position is Zaandijk, The Netherlands but Malmo, Sweden is also an option.
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About the role
In our Life Science & Health Research & Development department, you will take on a pivotal role, overseeing impactful research projects and mentoring junior team members. We're seeking a seasoned professional with expertise in pre-clinical and clinical studies focused on the health impacts of nutrition-especially in the areas of early life development, metabolic health, gut health, brain health, and healthy aging-preferably with a specialization in lipids. As part of our collaborative Research & Development team focused on Life Science and Health, you will work alongside dedicated colleagues, driving innovation and making a meaningful difference.

Responsibilities
As a Senior Research Scientist in Life Science & Health, you'll:

Lead Research Projects: Design, plan, and execute projects that align with company goals.

Lead Research Trials: Design, plan, and execute research trials carried out in collaboration with external partners (academia, clinical research organizations).

Drive Innovation: Develop, explore and implement new scientific ideas and technologies.

Develop Products: Lead the creation of new products based on research.

Manage Data: Oversee data collection, analysis, and interpretation, ensuring integrity and quality.

Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work with marketing, engineering, and production to integrate findings.

Train Team Members: Foster professional development and continuous learning.

Network Professionally: Build connections in the scientific and business communities.

Secure Funding: Play a key role in obtaining research funding and maintaining agency relationships.

Provide Expertise: Uphold high-quality research. Offer scientific guidance across departments and address challenges with data-driven decisions.

About You
We're looking for a dynamic candidate who embodies the following qualities:

Ph.D. and/or M.D. Required: Bring a strong track record in corporate research or equivalent experience.

Experienced Scientist: Have at least 5 years experience in research teams, leading and managing projects.

Mentor Others: Provide guidance and support to junior scientists and research associates.

Innovate: Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into our R&D processes.

Communicate Effectively: Foster collaboration within the team, being open to constructive research discussions, and build strong external partnerships.

Be Proactive: Identify and tackle challenges in the research landscape.

Drive Strategic Growth: Contribute to the expansion of our research portfolio.

If you're ready to make a significant impact, we want to hear from you!

In return AAK offers
Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability. In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team. AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and a clear career path. You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability-focused approach. Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.

Contact and information
Please apply through our career portal. For further information about the position, please contact the Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Joyce van der Burg on phone: +31 627963726 or ***.

About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK's offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate and confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen for more than 150 years.

AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.
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