Scientific Project Manager - Biomass fermentation - Biotope by VIB

Our mission is to use technology to push the boundaries in dairy without compromising on texture, taste, and experience. We do this by developing innovative cheese alternatives that combine pleasure with a positive impact. If that sounds like your jam, read on! 

We're hiring a scientific project manager to join our small team & act as a maternity cover when our Head of Science is away. 

🐮 In a few words? Less cow. More pleasure. For everyone. 

🧀 What do we do? We develop cheese alternatives that combine pleasure with positive impact. We’re a bolder company that pushes the boundaries in dairy so that it’s better for us and the planet. We want to make it easier for everyone to eat delicious and healthy meals without using dairy. 

🥼 More precisely? We’re developing fermented biomass ingredients specifically targeted at cheese alternatives. Parallel to that, we launched our first brand, Chizou , on the Belgian market with a range of grated cheeses made with cauliflower and chickpea protein - a world first! 

👩🏻‍💻 Andthe team? We’re a small international team based in Brussels with co-founders Michael and Ilana. We created the company in 2021 alongside startup studio Beefounders through which we got out our first investment, and have since been selected to be part of the Biotope by VIB programme, as well as the EIT FAN Accelerator . 

We’re looking for a super-motivated and experienced Scientific Project Manager to oversee and coordinate our Microbial Cheese Project. In this project, fermentation is used to produce biomass that is then formulated into an end product. You’ll be responsible for managing the project, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements, and fostering collaboration among project partners. 

You’ll also play a crucial role in stakeholder management, fundraising activities, regulatory compliance, and scientific representation of Bolder Foods. This position requires strong project management skills, scientific expertise, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners. 

This job will start as a maternity cover for our scientific lead and then continue when she returns as we expand the team. 

• Manage project reporting requirements and ensure timely and accurate submissions. 
• Guide research activities of project partners, both virtually and in person. 
• Collect, organize, and summarize research data for project summaries and goals. 
• Organize project meetings and collaborative sessions with key partners. 
• Coordinate with program partners, maintain regular meetings, and prepare agendas. 
• Monitor and prepare milestones and deliverables for accelerator programs. 
• Find and apply for funding opportunities, including grants and subsidies. 
• Support fundraising efforts by contributing to pitch decks and investor materials. 
• Collaborate with regulatory and IP experts for strategy and submissions. 
• Represent Bolder Foods scientifically to stakeholders, funders, and external events. 
• Support Chizou-related activities and events when possible. 

We want someone who owns problems and challenges and finds solutions to them. Our co-founder's guiding motto is “Give a shit and get shit done”. We’re looking for a doer, a problem-solver, and someone willing to be a chameleon-like start-up need. 

Must-Have 

• MSc or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, such as chemical/biological engineering, process engineering, microbiology, or food technology. 
• Previous hands-on experience with lab-based scientific projects, which is essential for effective collaboration with research scientists. 
• Experience managing/directing scientific projects involving multiple collaborators or stakeholders. 
• Flexible and adaptable approach, with the ability to learn new skills on-the-job and collaborate with individuals possessing relevant skills and experience. 

Nice-to-Have 

• Experience in scaling up and/or commercialising a technology, preferably fermentation-related. 
• Experience with fundraising and grant writing. 
• Knowledge of intellectual property (IP) processes, including patent filing. 
• Regulatory experience, particularly with the novel foods process. 
• Proficiency in Flemish. 

• A competitive salary depending on your experience 
• A fun working environment in a great office space shared with other startups in Brussels (close to Bailli, easy access by bike, public transport, or car), alongside our team that is passionate about food and cheese (obviously) and creating a positive impact in this world. We’re an international, hardworking, and flexible bunch. Our working language is English. 
• Flexible working 
• The ability to quickly make a difference within the company and grow with us 
• Access to free Chizou 
• Start date TBD: this summer 

Motivated candidates are asked to apply online.

• Upload your CV, and an email/letter/video (whatever format you choose) telling us why you’d like to join our adventure and why you’re the right person for the job. 
• We’ll read applications as we receive them. If we like what we see, we’ll invite you for a first meeting & take it from there. If not, we’ll be in touch to let you know as well. 

Interested in learning more about what it's like to build a Bolder food system with us? We’d love to hear from you. Email our co-founder Ilana at [email protected] .

Is this role not the right fit but you’re still interested? If you resonate with our mission and think your profile would be a great fit, send an email to [email protected] with subject “open job application” and pass along any information you think is relevant.