Technology and Chemical Sciences Discovery Manager

As part of the Exploratory Research Team, you’ll contribute to investigate and evaluate emerging technologies, innovative processes, new ingredients and their compliance with the Company’s strategy.

You’ll be responsible for leading the research and discovery efforts within the organization, with a focus on identifying and evaluating new technologies, chemical processes, and scientific advancements that have the potential to drive innovation and create competitive advantages. You’ll also propose ideas, technologies, and knowledge to obtain, improve and characterise actives and nutritional ingredients and their applications.

It will be key also to promote the integration of external input and/or collaborations into internal R&D processes, to develop new business opportunities or consolidate the existing ones, as well as continuously monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and customer needs to identify emerging technologies and chemical solutions that could benefit the organization.

• Propose or coordinate ideas and discovery of new bioactives or nutritionally active ingredients and formulation applications thereof in the human health area. Assess their alignment with Company strategies and priorities.
• Propose or coordinate discovery and feasibility assessment for chemical or physical improvements of naturally occurring or nutritionally active bioactives and formulation applications thereof in the human health area. Assess their alignment with Company strategies and priorities.
• Propose and screen research projects and discovery initiatives aimed at the biotechnological production of bioactives or nutritionally active ingredients, and their pre‑formulation. Assess their alignment with Company strategies and priorities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including product development, engineering, and business development, to assess the strategic fit and commercial viability of new discoveries.
• Oversee and coordinate the planning and execution of proof‑of‑concept studies, pilot projects, and development initiatives for the implementation of existing biotechnological, synthetic and semisynthetic processes at laboratory, pilot or pre‑industrial levels.
• Collaborate with different Company’s functions: assist Regulatory Affairs in the preparation of documents to be submitted to authorities, support R&D Customer Solution Center in providing feedback to customer requests, support Quality and Operation in the correct management of microorganisms.
• Manage Ideation phases, projects ideation: and submission, activities coordination, timelines, resources, budget. Participate in Projects: ensure the accountability for work packages.
• Stay current with technology advancements and facilitate the transfer of expertise across the R&D teams, enabling cross‑fertilization of ideas and accelerating the development of innovative solutions.
• Check the status of projects and ideas in terms of freedom to operate and patentability, contribute to the filing of patent applications.
• Present the results of activities through reports, drafting of technical documents, participation in meetings.
• Maintain and promote collaboration between Gnosis R&D and LIST and other Lesaffre BUs.
• Establish and maintain relationships with external partners, such as universities, research institutions, and industry partners to stay informed of the latest advancements and explore potential collaborations.