Application Scientist – Food (Mycoprotein)

About the role

Planetary is seeking a full‑time Application Scientist to join its food innovation team. You will work closely with sales, R&D and commercial teams to translate mycelium‑based ingredients into appealing meat and dairy alternatives for global customers.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and sample a range of meat‑style and dairy‑style concepts using fungal biomass, mycoprotein and precision‑fermented proteins such as egg albumin, casein and whey.
• Explore emerging categories including hybrid meat products, protein fortification and nutraceutical applications linked to gut‑microbiome and GLP‑1.
• Provide technical guidance to the fermentation team on how process changes affect physical, chemical and microbial attributes of the final product.
• Manage the food‑development kitchen and analytical laboratory facilities.
• Present raw material and product concepts to prospective clients in Switzerland and abroad.
• Ensure mycoprotein functionality meets customer specifications and troubleshoot application challenges.
• Support the rollout of new applications in partnership with sales and product teams.
• Assist commercial teams with product information, process flow charts and pricing material.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in food product development or recipe development.
• Strong affinity for the food sector and a passion for innovative, sustainable ingredients.

Required skills

• Recipe development.
• Food product development.
• Fermentation process knowledge.