CDI - Analytical Microbiology & Molecular Biology Junior Scientist -(H / F)

More specifically, the Advanced Technologies - Ingredients department oversees developing innovative ingredients and providing expertise in the various categories of existing and emerging ingredients, as well as anticipating scientific and technological solutions through the promotion and development of our ecosystem.

Within Advanced Techno Ingredients, the ANALYTICAL SCIENCES team is responsible for:

• providing analytical expertise and solutions for R&I projects: characterization of raw materials, ingredients, ferments, finished products and packaging materials; physico-chemical, sensory, and microbiological analysis; quality and food safety risk assessment; understanding and optimizing formulas and processes.
• developing analytical methods to meet the needs of all Danone internal stakeholders (R&I, Quality, plants), in conjunction with national and international standardization organizations.
• building and leading a network of analytical and scientific experts (academics, suppliers).
• identifying and monitoring the performance of external laboratories and ensuring the availability and management of a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) tool in compliance with Danone Research quality standards.
• providing expert support and analytical solutions to Operations teams when managing Production and/or Quality issues.

In this context, the main mission of the Analytical Microbiology & Molecular Biology Jr Scientist is to:

• Develop and adapt analytical methods and tools in microbiology and molecular biology for the enumeration, identification and characterisation of microorganisms of interest in foods (physiological state and behaviour, metabolites production…)
• Ensure technical and bibliographic monitoring in the field of characterisation/functionality of ferments and probiotics and technical innovations in microbiology and molecular biology.
• Build his/her network to identify emerging technologies and potential scientific collaborators in his/her field of activity.
• Capitalise on data and results to reinforce internal expertise.
• Manage analysis equipment linked to its activity.
• Pilot a portfolio of external analytical providers competent in the area of interest for outsourcing needs.
• Guarantee technical recommendations in microbiology and molecular biology and technology transfer to external laboratories.
• Participate in maintaining FSSC22000 certification within the scope of his/her activity.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage analytical projects in Microbiology & Molecular Biology: development and optimization of methods for enumeration, identification, characterization of microorganisms in food matrices.
• Reinforce the understanding of strains behavior and interaction in complex matrices.
• Provide analytical expertise in microbiology and molecular biology to R&I teams to characterize finished products in relation to sensory and consumer preference for the identification of technological levers allowing the optimization of products formulas and industrial processes.
• Build his/her expertise in the field of microbiology and molecular biology: monitoring scientific and technical articles, participation to international congresses.
• Develop our analytical partners and experts’ network and be responsible for subcontracted analytical services: coordinates the progress of analyzes within the defined schedules and budget, ensures the interface between the internal project team and external laboratories.
• Ensure the quality of internal and external analytical results delivered: method validation, application of good laboratory and traceability practices, scientific interpretation.
• Participate in the resolution of crises related to products and/or ingredients of interest to Danone with adequate levels of reactivity and performance.
• Guarantee the implementation of Quality and Safety standards within its scope of responsibility.

Main Stakeholders You Will Be Working With

Internal to Danone Group

• Analytical Sciences teams
• Worldwide R&I Danone Research teams
• Quality & Food Safety teams

External to Danone Group

• Academic scientific experts
• Analytical experts from other companies

About You

• Scientific level: Engineer and/or Master's degree (Bac +5) in Microbiology and Molecular Biology.
• First significant experience in the analytical field, particularly in Microbiology and Molecular Biology applied to the food industry.
• Technical skills requested: Classical (growth method) and alternative microbiological analyses (flow cytometry, Maldi TOF, Molecular biology tools applied to ferments such as PCR, quantitative PCR, high-throughput sequencing); Method development and validation; analytical performance; Management of laboratory equipment related to microbiology and molecular biology activities; Good knowledge of food matrices, fermentation processes and ferments (incl. probiotics); Knowledge of quality and food safety regulations and standards (European directives, ISO17025, ISO 22000, Cofrac accreditations, and experience in managing external partners would be a plus).
• Understanding of strategic issues and business needs.
• Strong oral and written French & English skills.
• Teamwork.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional and international context.

About Us, We Offer and What's Next

Microbiology Biology • GIF SUR YVETTE, FR