Nutrition Scientist - Nutrition, health and sustainability

In this role, you coordinate the research portfolio of Cosun Nutrition Center and actively monitor the scientific literature, developments in nutrition policy, and relevant societal trends related to plant-based nutrition, with specific attention to the products and ingredients of Royal Cosun. You assess the relevance of these developments for the organization and translate them into clear, scientifically substantiated insights to support the business of Cosun. In doing so, you make a substantive contribution to Cosun’s ambition, under the Unlock30 strategy, to grow in plant-based products and ingredients that support a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern.

This is a role for someone ready for a second career step: not straight from university, but with a few years of experience.

What Could a Week Look Like

A typical week is a mix of nutrition science, desk research and collaboration. Throughout the week, you regularly check scientific publications, newsletters and policy updates, keeping track of developments in nutrition science and society that may be relevant for Cosun. On some days, you focus on specific scientific questions, work on scientific factsheets and are in contact with academic researchers, for example to discuss study designs or reflect on results from research on plant-based proteins. At other moments, you sit down with colleagues from your own team or from other Cosun business groups, aligning on ongoing work such as research into dietary fibres and sharing structured overviews of scientific insights.

What You Will Do

Monitor scientific literature and policy developments and translate findings into accessible content

Conduct desk research on our (potential) products and ingredients, focusing on their role in healthy and sustainable dietary patterns and their nutritional benefits; and contribute to the scientific evidence base, including input to peer-reviewed publications

Organise e.g. (mainly internal) scientific expert meetings from start to finish, with full responsibility for agenda, planning and execution

Build and maintain a strong professional network within the nutritional science arena

Participate in nutrition expert groups

Qualifications

You have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience and are ready to operate at a higher level of autonomy and impact. For example in the food industry, a knowledge institution or a trade organisation.

You write fluently and speak convincingly, translating complex material into accessible language without losing substance.

You are analytically sharp but pragmatic: you know the difference between solid evidence and noise, and you act on it.

You make contact easily, whether with a scientist, or a marketing manager.

You are self-directed and collegial in equal measure.

Required

Academic degree in Nutrition and Health, Nutrition and Sustainability or a closely related field

A minimum of two years of relevant work experience

Demonstrated ability to assess and translate scientific research into clear, scientifically substantiated insights. Strong written and oral communication skills in both Dutch and English

Digital proficiency: comfortable with digital tools

Organisational capability: independently manage projects from concept to execution

Proactive attitude: you make contact easily, including with people you do not yet know

Advantage

A relevant network in the field of nutrition and health

Experience in the food industry or a branch organisation

Additional Information

€4,300 to €5,700 Gross per month (40 hrs), based on experience

25 + 23 days Holiday and ADV days (40 hrs basis)

8.33% + 8% Year-end bonus and holiday pay

Hybrid Flexible working after onboarding period

Excellent pension scheme with a very low employee contribution.

About Cosun Nutrition Center

CNC is the nutrition science knowledge centre for plant-based food of cooperative agri-food company Royal Cosun. We follow, share and contextualise scientific insights for professionals in nutrition, health and sustainability. We actively engage in dialogue on societal themes and believe that sharing knowledge pays off.

CNC bases its communications on scientific facts and guidelines from independent advisory bodies such as the Health Council of the Netherlands, EFSA and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. We work with a Scientific Advisory Board and a close-knit team of four permanent staff members.

LOCATION AND WORKING HOURS

You work at Cosun’s Central Office in Breda and regularly share the office with your colleagues. Depending on your schedule, you also work from other Cosun locations, or from home. On other days you work from Breda, Dinteloord, at external locations, or from home. We work hybrid: in the beginning we expect you to be on site frequently to get properly settled in. After that, there is room for flexibility. Flexible working hours and locations are part of our culture.

INTERESTED?

Apply via the button below. Part of the procedure is a practical case in which we ask you to assess, interpret and translate scientific information, and to demonstrate that you understand the position and context of Cosun Nutrition Center.

Unsolicited acquisition by recruitment agencies is not appreciated.

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