Global (Junior) Yeast & Fermentation Specialist

AB InBev is seeking a FUNCTION in their Global Innovation & Technology Center (=GITEC), in Belgium.

GITEC is AB InBev’s Global Research & Development Center, located in its own secure facility at AB InBev’s Global Headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. Within, a diverse team of more than 120 scientists and specialists, pulling from more than 20 nationalities, work diligently to achieve GITEC’s Dream: shaping the future together. Of course, the intense R&D work in Belgium is only part of the story. GITEC’s employees collaborate with multiple partners across the globe to tap relevant expertise and help AB InBev deliver and develop new raw and packaging materials, brew new and innovative products, and deliver them to the consumer in sharply designed packaging.

We dream big. We look to the future, not the past. We hire people that can be better than ourselves.
The opportunity is here. Make it yours!

Purpose of the job
The Global Junior R&D Specialist supports and manages projects in the field of yeast and fermentation to deliver solutions to the business world-wide in the field of beer brewing and fermented beverages.
The position focuses on selection and development of yeasts to deliver solutions for applications in the field. The position also focuses on developing yeast propagation and fermentation technologies to improve quality, performance, and sustainability for applications in the field.

Accountabilities
 Support in R&D / Front-End-Innovation (FEI) projects (lab, pilot, and industrial scale) in GITEC and for the different AB InBev Zones according to the company priorities.
 Support in implementation projects in key AB InBev Zones and provide hands-on technical support.
 Execute and support project according to the project plans and within budget; contribute with new ideas.
 Closely collaborate with internal stakeholders, external partners and suppliers, and support in scouting for new technologies that have applications in this field.
 Contribute in the Yeast & Fermentation Knowledge Center and Global Network, by connecting to specialists and experts around the world, by consolidating knowledge & learnings from new technologies, and by supporting to build synergies among the AB InBev Zones.
 Support and lead activities in the continuous development of advanced technologies to select and develop new yeasts.
 Support and lead activities in the continuous development of fermentation and analytical capabilities at lab, pilot, and industrial scale.
 Contribute in developing, sharing, and managing knowledge/expertise to find and promote innovative solutions allowing the increase of AB InBev profitability by maximizing quality, process efficiency and sustainability, and consumers preference.

Profile
Education
• You have a Master’s Degree, in the field of applied sciences such as Industrial Microbiology, Biotechnology, Fermentation Technology, Brewing, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Food Chemistry, Food Technology.
• Complementary Technical Brewing education is an asset

Experience
• You have a Master Thesis in the field of brewing, biotechnology, bioprocessing or fermentation.
• Experience, knowledge and/or skills in fermentation technology.
• Practical experience in a brewing, bioengineering or biotechnology field, working with yeast-based fermentation systems, is an asset.
• Experience, knowledge and/or skills in project management & planning.
• Complementary expertise/knowledge in analytical chemistry is an asset.
• Experience in using lab and pilot capabilities and methods.
• Experience in writing project reports.

Competences (job related)

• Proven leadership skills and capable of working effectively through cross-functional and international project teams.
• Ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate.
• Support to multiple Front-End-Innovation (FEI) and Implementation projects simultaneously in an environment with high complexity, uncertainty, and challenging timeframes.
• Work with a high degree of self-coordination and independence.
• Strong team player with good social skills and high energy level, target-oriented with respect for quality and timing.
• Having industry, technology, consumer, and functional interest and knowledge.
• Ability to deep dive and review scientific, technical, and patent matters.
• Operate across different cultural and geographical realities, with flexibility to undertake short assignments abroad.
• Fluency in English (written / spoken), other language skills constitute an additional asset.
• A mindset that embraces change as a natural part of business and demonstrates courage and optimism during times of crisis or change.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)