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Palatability Research Specialist - Job Opportunity at Nestlé Purina

Aubigny-sur-Nère, France
Full-time
Senior
Posted: May 19, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 65,000 - 85,000 annually plus variable compensation, positioning at or above market rate for senior R&D specialists in the French food science sector

Benefits

Competitive base salary with 13.75 months pay structure
Performance-based variable compensation
Profit sharing program
Comprehensive Social and Economic Committee benefits
Flexible hybrid work arrangement (2 days remote)
On-site dining facilities
Modern office environment
Unique pet adoption program
Professional development and internal training
International networking opportunities
Work-life balance initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic palatability research initiatives to drive product innovation
Develop and execute research protocols for flavor enhancement and pet food palatability
Manage cross-functional project teams and coordinate research activities
Conduct scientific analysis of Maillard reactions and flavor creation processes
Drive technological advancement through continuous monitoring of industry developments
Create and maintain knowledge sharing networks within R&D
Ensure regulatory compliance and best practice implementation
Contribute to department strategy development
Oversee pilot studies and analytical interpretations
Manage stakeholder communications and result reporting

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Chemistry with specialization in Chemistry and Formulation

Experience

Advanced experience in Chemistry, particularly in Maillard reaction, flavor creation and Enzymology

Required Skills

Fluent English Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes Laboratory best practices Scientific data analysis Intellectual property understanding Project management Network management Regulatory framework expertise Innovation methodology
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pet food industry is experiencing rapid growth in premium and scientifically formulated products, driving increased demand for flavor and palatability expertise. There's a growing focus on natural and clean-label ingredients, requiring innovative approaches to palatability enhancement without artificial additives. The integration of biotechnology and enzyme science in pet food development is becoming increasingly important for product differentiation.

Role Significance

Likely leads a team of 3-5 researchers with matrix management of 8-12 project team members
Senior technical position with significant influence on product development and innovation strategy

Key Projects

Development of new palatability enhancement technologies Clean-label flavor system development Process optimization for existing product lines Cross-functional innovation initiatives

Success Factors

Deep expertise in flavor chemistry and Maillard reaction mechanisms Ability to bridge scientific research with practical manufacturing applications Strong project management skills with matrix team leadership Innovative mindset combined with rigorous scientific methodology

Market Demand

High demand with limited talent pool due to specialized technical requirements in both chemistry and pet food palatability

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced chemistry knowledge, particularly in Maillard reaction and flavor chemistry - essential for developing new palatability solutions Project management and team leadership - crucial for driving research initiatives Scientific methodology and data analysis - fundamental for research validity

Beneficial Skills

Knowledge of pet nutrition and behavior Experience with sensory evaluation methods Understanding of industrial scale-up processes Patent writing and intellectual property management

Unique Aspects

Combination of advanced chemistry expertise with pet food application is relatively rare in the industry
Direct access to pilot plant facilities for rapid prototyping
Unique opportunity to impact pet nutrition on a global scale
Strong emphasis on both scientific research and practical application

Career Growth

2-4 years in role before advancement, depending on project success and organizational growth

Potential Next Roles

R&D Department Head Technical Innovation Director Global Research Program Leader Scientific Affairs Director

Company Overview

Nestlé Purina

Nestlé Purina is a global leader in pet care with significant R&D investments and a strong focus on scientific innovation

Top-tier market position in global pet food industry with significant R&D capabilities
Strategic R&D center in France supporting European operations
Innovation-driven environment with strong emphasis on scientific excellence and collaborative research
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