Innovation Specialist – Cultivated Protein

Job Description:

Join Our Purpose - Feeding the Future  

Nutreco is a member of the SHV family, and we are committed to 'Feeding the Future' through sustainable and innovative practices. Nutreco has two business lines: Skretting is a leading global provider of innovative aquafeed solutions, revolutionizing aquaculture for a sustainable future. Trouw Nutrition specializes in animal nutrition and is committed to advancing livestock health and productivity through cutting-edge solutions.  

Our newest innovation hub, Cell Feed, is exploring a brand‑new frontier in cultivated protein: cellular agriculture. Instead of feeding animals, we feed cells, developing precision nutrition so cultivated‑meat producers can grow their cells reliably and efficiently in bioreactors. Think of it as applying decades of feed expertise to a new “animal”: the cell line. This approach can transform how protein is produced—making it more sustainable, scalable, and ethical. 

About the Role 

As Innovation Associate, you’ll help build the foundations of a fast‑growing, early‑stage R&D pipeline: coordinating research activities, handling grant administration, and supporting project execution. This is a unique opportunity to join a field where only a handful of companies worldwide are shaping the future of food. We’re still defining the market, the products, and the science—so your work will directly influence how this industry scales. 

Because Cellfeed is still growing, the role is intentionally broad. You’ll be supported by Nutreco’s Innovation Lead for Cell Nutrition and collaborate with legal, regulatory, supply chain, and external partners. If you’re early in your career and eager to learn, this is a rare chance to grow into a specialist as the business evolves. 

What you will do: 

• Translate customer needs into R&D priorities by attending technical meetings, synthesizing insights across companies, and identifying common challenges in cell culture media. 

• Coordinate innovation projects such as stability studies, data collaborations, and grant-supported initiatives, ensuring timelines, resources, and communication are aligned. 

• Support early-stage product development by helping evaluate new ingredients, contributing to study design, and managing small-scale data projects. 

• Take ownership of grant administration including WBSO and Eurostars, supporting documentation, reporting, and project management across work packages. 

Skills and Expertise 

• Master’s degree in biotechnology, biochemical engineering, or a similar field. 

• 1-2 years of experience in R&D, project coordination, or consultancy—experience in cellular agriculture is a plus. 

• Strong analytical and communication skills and a willingness to learn about cellular agriculture. 

• Experience, or interest, in biological modelling, data science, or data management is a plus. 

• Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and eager to grow in a dynamic, early-stage environment. 

Not ticking every box? We hire for potential and mindset. If this mission excites you and you have a similar background in science, we would love to hear from you. 

Expectation from Role 

• Take ownership of technical customer support and early-stage project coordination. 

• Support grant applications and manage administrative tasks for innovation programs. 

• Grow into a strategic role by understanding the cultivated meat ecosystem and contributing to Cell Feed’s long-term roadmap. 

Why You Will Love Working with Us 

• A full-time position in an international, dynamic environment. 

• Competitive remuneration package, good pension scheme, and 30 vacation days with flexibility. 

• Opportunities for professional growth within Nutreco and the broader SHV group. 

• Hybrid working model (3 days on-site in Boxmeer, 2 days remote). 

• Access to Nutreco’s learning and development platforms. 

Next Steps 

We value a seamless candidate experience and aim to respond within five (5) business days. The hiring process typically takes 4–6 weeks. For more information, please contact Sophie Grünewald [sophie.grunewald@nutreco.com]. We appreciate your interest in joining our mission to innovate and sustainably shape the future of food production. 

Our organisation:
Nutreco is a global leader in animal nutrition and fish feed. Our advanced nutritional solutions are at the origin of food for millions of consumers worldwide. Quality, innovation and sustainability are guiding principles, embedded in the Nutreco culture from research and raw material procurement to products and services for agriculture and aquaculture. Experience across 100 years brings Nutreco a rich heritage of knowledge and experience for building its future.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Nutreco is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, military status or any other status protected by applicable local law. Please advise us at any point during the recruitment and selection process if you require accommodation. Nutreco is committed to compliance with all applicable legislation, including providing accommodation for applicants with disabilities.