Process Development Specialist (Downstream Processing)

At Corbion we champion preservation in all its forms: preserving food and food production health and our planet.

Are you passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to innovative process solutions that truly make a difference We are seeking a motivated and hands-on to join our Innovation Center Process Technology team.

The Process Technology group located at Corbions largest global R&D site in Gorinchem plays a central role in developing improving and scaling production processes. This site also houses our largest lactic acid derivative production facility supporting our global business units. The team of around twenty scientists and technicians delivers innovative process design development and optimization across different scales while driving technology transfer and implementation.

What you will do

As a Downstream Processing Specialist you will act as a practical expert applying your hands-on execution experience to lead efforts in development optimization and implementation of downstream processes (post-fermentation). You will play a leading role in preparing setting up and executing experimental studies for development of new and improvement of existing processes at both lab and pilot scale. You will guide junior colleagues and ensure high-quality experimental execution and reporting to deliver impactful results.

Key responsibilities

• Design optimize and implement downstream (post-fermentation) processes
• Lead experimental activities at lab and pilot scale including experimental design planning setup and execution
• Ensure proper design of scaled-up or scaled-down experimental setups as to correctly reflect the studied downstream technology (e.g. solid liquid separation ion exchange adsorption gas-liquid separation extraction electrodialysis) and concentration/powder production technologies (evaporation UHT spray drying granulation etc.)
• Prepare and execute demo- and production-scale trials report outcomes and support industrial implementation
• Support scale-up troubleshooting and optimization of new and existing processes at Corbion sites or external partners
• Develop and revise SOPs for both routine and non-routine tasks ensuring the highest safety and quality standards
• Collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary innovation teams (fermentation microbiology analytical product development operations
• Mentor train and onboard junior colleagues to support knowledge transfer and skill development

You bring

• BSc in Chemical Engineering Process technology Food Technology or a related field
• At least 3 years of industrial R&D experience in process technology
• Proven experience in designing and executing proof-of-principle/proof-of-concept studies preferably in innovation projects
• Hands-on expertise with lab- and pilot-scale downstream processing equipment including troubleshooting
• Ability to translate industrial challenges into lab-scale studies and deliver effective solutions
• Experience working in operational or industrial environments is a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a result-driven and positive mindset
• Comfortable working in dynamic environments
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills; fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Willingness to travel internationally (up to 15%)

What We Offer

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation is encouraged and supported.
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of health food and sustainability.
• Access to state-of-the-art lab and pilot facilities and the chance to work alongside experts from various disciplines.
• A culture that values curiosity ownership and continuous learning.
• Competitive salary and benefits tailored to your experience and growth.
• Flexibility to develop your career within a global organization with a strong local presence.

Why join Corbion

• Meaningful impact: your work contributes to medical innovations that improve lives.
• Learn & grow: this entry-level role offers opportunities for training skill development and progression toward more advanced lab positions.
• International environment: be part of a dynamic and diverse team.
• Innovative culture: room for initiative ideas and personal growth.
• Great atmosphere: a professional yet informal workplace where teamwork and fun go hand in hand.

Join us at Corbion and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference in preserving health and our planet.

About Corbion

Corbion is the global market leader in lactic acid and its derivatives and a leading supplier of emulsifiers functional enzyme blends minerals vitamins and algae ingredients. We use our unique expertise in fermentation and other processes to deliver sustainable solutions for the preservation of food and food production health and our planet. For over 100 years we have been uncompromising in our commitment to safety quality innovation and performance. Drawing on our deep application and product knowledge we work side-by-side with customers to make our cutting-edge technologies work for them. Our solutions help differentiate products in markets such as food home & personal care animal nutrition pharmaceuticals medical devices and 2024 Corbion generated annual sales of 1288.1 million and had a workforce of 2399 FTE. Corbion is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. For more information:

Corbion does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. All candidates must be submitted by approved Corbion vendors who have been expressly requested to make a submission by our Talent Acquisition team for a specific job opening. No placement fees will be paid to any firm unless such a request has been made by the Corbion Talent Acquisition team and such candidate was submitted to the Corbion Talent Acquisition Team.