Technology and Chemical Sciences Discovery Manager

Full-time
Years of experience: 5 to 10 years
Contract type: Permanent Contract

For over 30 years, Lesaffre has been involved in Human Health & Nutrition as part of its ambition to Better Nourish and Protect the Planet. In November 2018, Lesaffre acquired Gnosis Advanced Biotech and officially combined it with Lesaffre Human Care to form a new Business Unit named Gnosis by Lesaffre.
At Gnosis by Lesaffre, we are committed to cultivating and to delivering nutritional actives, probiotics, and nutritional and functional yeasts that benefit human health and wellbeing, thanks to the power of microorganisms and biotransformation processes like fermentation.
Our Mission is to Raise Human Health. And how we do that? We Think Like Nature.
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.
Main Activities

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.
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.

Diploma/Degree/Certificates

Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline, such as Chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacy, food sciences, Biotechnology, or similar.
Possibility of a PhD or further specialisation.
At least 5 years of experience in chemical, pharmaceutical or food sciences research, management of R&D activities projects teams at companies in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food sectors.

Technical knowledge/managerial expertise/skills

Technical and digital knowledge of process development, chemistry, analytical chemistry, formulation technologies.
Scientific knowledge applicable to research and development of active pharmaceutical and nutritional ingredients and bioactive substances, for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Innovation skills (ability to propose and develop innovative and profitable solutions, in line with business strategies).
Knowledge of regulatory framework including safety regulations.
Knowledge of English, written and spoken; optional knowledge of French.
Expertise in Project Management.
Expertise in team management.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross‑functional teams Excellent problem‑solving, critical thinking, and decision‑making skills and willingness to take responsibility.
Reasoning and analytical skills and conciseness.
Organisational and planning skills.
Internal/external customer orientation.
Ability to work in an international environment and willingness to travel.

Offer

The job is based in Desio (MB) - Italy
Be part of a growing company
Work in a dynamic international environment
We are a successful family‑owned company with long‑standing history where people truly matter.
We promote a sense of fulfilment with a genuine mission: nourish and protect the planet.
An opportunity to work in a real international environment.

At Lesaffre, diversity is a strength that enriches our culture and our teams. We are committed to offering you a work environment where you can thrive, regardless of your background, gender, age or abilities. We encourage all applications, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to innovate and meet the challenges of tomorrow.
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