Associate R&D Specialist – Flavors

About the role

As an Associate R&D Specialist – Flavors in Nestlé Research, you will drive innovation and renovation within Flavor Science across all Nestlé categories, creating scientific solutions that enhance taste and aroma for both consumers and their pets.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to conduct cutting‑edge research in aroma and taste, developing impactful prototypes.
• Lead project activities, coordinate with sensory, perception physiology and material science experts, manage budgets and ensure knowledge transfer to Product Technology Centers.
• Engage with diverse thought leaders, identify technical gaps, propose innovative ideas and explore external partnerships.
• Monitor the latest developments in flavor science and disseminate relevant external technologies to internal teams.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Food Chemistry or Food Sciences with expertise in flavor generation and transformation.
• Research and applied‑science experience in reaction flavours, Maillard reactions, lipid oxidations and their sensory benefits.
• Practical experience in an analytical laboratory focusing on volatiles and non‑volatiles (GC‑MS, GC‑O, LC‑MS).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, and in statistical analysis (PLS, PCA) and data visualization.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication and strong networking skills.

Required skills

• GC‑MS
• GC‑O
• LC‑MS
• Python
• R
• PLS and PCA statistical analysis
• Data visualization

What we offer

• Exciting career development opportunities across brands, businesses, functions and regions.
• Flexible working arrangements to foster creativity and collaboration.
• A culture of respect with diversity, equity and inclusion at its core.
• A dynamic international environment that empowers learning, development and growth.