Position: R&D Lead – Native Fermentation & Plant-Based Innovation

Company: Grashka

Location: Ljubno ob Savinji, Slovenia

Work model: Hybrid, with regular presence in Slovenia

Start: ASAP

Reports to: CEO / Founders

Travel: Expected across European production and development sites

We are looking for a Head of R&D to lead the scientific and technological development behind it.

This role connects fermentation science, microbiology, food technology, IP, food safety and industrial scale-up. It is a senior leadership position with real influence on the future of the company and, for the right long-term fit, a possible path toward a co-founder-level role.

What you’ll do

Lead the development of Grashka’s native fermentation platform

Establish fermentation technology and processes on several production locations across Europe

Develop fermentation processes, microbial consortia and scalable protocols

Improve the nutritional, functional and sensory quality of plant-based foods

Transfer ideas from lab to pilot and industrial production

Build and protect IP, know-how and trade secrets

Work with patent, quality, production and commercial teams

Support national, regional and EU R&D grants

Ensure alignment with food safety, HACCP, IFS, BRC and relevant regulation

Build and lead the R&D team

Work closely with the CEO, founders and production partners across Europe

Who we’re looking for

Someone with serious scientific depth, industrial experience and startup energy.

Ideally, you bring:

10+ years in R&D, food technology, fermentation, production or biotechnology

Strong experience with fermentation and bioprocess development

Experience taking innovation from lab to industrial scale

Understanding of patents, IP and protected know-how

Experience with R&D grants or EU-funded projects

Strong knowledge of food safety, quality systems and regulatory requirements

Strategic thinking, but also hands-on execution

Backgrounds we especially value:

Microbiology

Fermentation science

Food biotechnology

Production technology development

Bioprocess engineering

Food design and food innovation

Functional nutrition / longevity science

A PhD or MSc in a relevant field is highly valued.

What we offer

Senior leadership role in a fast-growing food biotech company

Direct influence on Grashka’s technology and long-term strategy

Hybrid work model

International development scope

Performance-based bonus structure

Relocation support for international candidates

Possible long-term co-founder track

Optional equity package for the right long-term fit

Why Grashka

We are not building another plant-based brand.

We are building the technology behind better plant-based food: fermented, functional, scalable and made for the future.

If you want to help build a real food biotechnology platform from the inside, this is your chance.

ApplySend us:

Your CV

A short motivation letter

One fermentation, biotech or food innovation project you are proud of

Apply at: martin@grashka.co

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Selected candidates will be invited to complete a paid mini challenge based on a real-life work scenario. We will be particularly interested in how quickly you understand the problem, propose a solution, and turn it into an actionable plan.

GRASHKA

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R&D Lead – Native Fermentation & Plant-Based Innovation