Shape the Future of Food and Wellness
Are you driven by science behind better nutrition? Do you have the expertise to transform breakthrough innovation in bioactive protein research into real-world health and wellness solutions? Join PFx Biotech as a Senior Scientist – Nutrition & Functional Ingredients and lead pioneering work in functional proteins, and contribute to clinical studies, and product development that will redefine sustainable nutrition and next-generation food innovation.
About Us
PFx Biotech is an ambitious biotech Startup redefining the landscape of food and nutrition ingredients through precision fermentation. We specialize in breastmilk-inspired proteins and bioactives, and alternative proteins designed for applications across infants, sports, and elderly nutrition. Our mission is to unlock the full potential of sustainable, functional proteins through cutting-edge science, bold thinking, and collaboration. From bench to scale-up, we are a cross-disciplinary team building the next wave of bioactive nutrition—where efficacy, sustainability, and market relevance converge.
The Role: What You’ll Be Doing
We are looking for a full-time Senior Scientist with strong expertise in food science, nutrition, and functional bioactives. You will support and lead R&D projects from lab-based studies to data-driven insights that drive formulation, regulatory pathways, and commercialization. Reporting to the Head of R&D – Bioactivity, you’ll work on protein bioactivity screening, formulation, digestibility, pre-clinical/clinical design, and functional property characterization—helping shape high-value ingredient portfolios for novel food applications.
Key Responsibilities
· Develop and optimize functional food formulations.
· Conduct bioactivity and functionality assays (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immune-modulatory, etc.).
· Assess protein stability, solubility, digestibility (e.g., via INFOGEST protocol), and bioavailability.
· Design and support pre-clinical and clinical studies to validate health claims and safety of novel ingredients.
· Lead and mentor junior staff; author scientific reports, present findings across teams and external partners.
· Build and maintain data platforms for bioactivity screening and mechanism-of-action profiling.
· Liaise with microbiology, biotechnology, and regulatory colleagues to drive product development.
What You Bring
Education & Experience
· PhD or MSc with 5+ years of relevant experience in Food Science, Human Nutrition, Nutritional Biochemistry, or related fields.
· Proven track record in research involving bioactive ingredients—ideally with exposure to clinical or preclinical studies.
· Solid understanding of human nutrition and physiology as it relates to protein-based health claims.
Technical Expertise
· Strong hands-on experience in bioactivity assays, digestibility testing, and protein structure-function analysis.
· Familiarity with functional ingredient testing (e.g., solubility, thermal stability, etc.).
· Experience with regulatory compliance and technical documentation for food ingredients.
Preferred Skills & Attributes
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
· Familiarity with protein structure-function relationships.
· Excellent communication skills with an ability to present complex data clearly.
· Team-oriented and adaptable in a fast-paced Startup environment.
What We Offer
· Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
· Work in an innovative environment that’s scientifically rigorous, entrepreneurial, and mission driven.
· Exposure to a wide range of disciplines—from fermentation to nutrition to regulatory affairs.
· Career growth opportunities within a fast-scaling biotech Startup.
· A collaborative culture where curiosity and creativity are celebrated.
How to Apply
If you’re excited to advance the science of nutrition and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable food future, we want to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a cover letter, referencing Job Ref: PT-002, to Diana Oliveira (diana.oliveira@pfxbiotech.com) no later than the 13th of June 2025.
Join us in shaping the future of food, health, and biotechnology—one bioactive at a time!