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.