In July 2026, FERMOTEIN® became the first whole-food mycelium ingredient authorised under the EU Novel Food Regulation. Proving the science took six years. Producing it reliably, efficiently and at industrial scale is the part still being figured out, and it is the part you would work on.
Who we are
The Protein Brewery is a Dutch food technology company based in Breda. We produce FERMOTEIN®, a whole-food mycelium ingredient made through biomass fermentation, delivering complete protein, fibre and a range of micronutrients from a single, minimally processed source. It goes into active nutrition, better-for-you bakery, snacks and dairy alternatives. Founded in 2020, we operate an FSSC 22000 certified production facility with two 85,000L fermenters and have raised more than €70 million to scale it. Our team of around 45 people is growing. We are a mission-driven organisation, which for us means the purpose of the company, the teams and the individuals in them point the same way. Four values describe how we work.
SHARING the same purpose. Working as one team towards a lasting positive impact, while having fun doing it.
DARING to do what no one did before and encouraging whoever dares to do the same. We keep the environment pragmatic enough that people can actually innovate in it, which is what keeps us fast.
TRUSTING each other’s capacities, intentions and sense of responsibility. That trust is what makes real ownership possible.
CARING for each other and for the place we work. Supporting each other professionally and personally, and valuing every team member as the person they are, regardless of background, capability or status.
Who are we looking for?
The Protein Brewery develops completely new, highly nutritious food ingredients based on fermentation. We are scaling up our fermentation capacity in the coming years, and continue to improve our process based on deeper understanding.
We are looking for a Fermentation Scientist who wants to play an active role in this growth. A background in fermentation is required.
In this role, you will execute various projects to improve overall yield and efficiency of our process and quality of the final product resulting from our process. You will conduct experiments in our lab and pilot plant, analyze data and formulate proposed improvements for our full scale plant. You will also be involved in the successful implementation of the changes in the full scale process.
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What are your responsibilities and scope in this role?
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Execute research projects to improve fermentation yield, process robustness and output of our fermentation process.
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Set-up and conduct lab and pilot plant experiments to investigate and determine various routes to improve productivity and quality of the fermentation process.
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Deliver factory scale implementation of improvements in close collaboration with Operations team
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Manage experimental data and conduct data analysis on current and previous experiments to drive conclusions and create new hypotheses for new research.
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Work closely with other R&D team members, operations and engineering
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Provide design input into specifications and requirements for new fermentation equipment.
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Ensure compliance with safety requirements.
You are a good match with us if you have:
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Master's degree in biotechnology, Life Science & Technology or Chemical Engineering
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R&D experience in fermentation (aerobic / fungal or continuous fermentation experience is a plus)
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Preferably experience with implementing process improvements in the factory
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Hands on mentality, working in the lab, pilot plant and behind the desk
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Pragmatic approach, able to translate R&D findings fast into implementable solutions
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Experience with data management and using large datasets to find direction for improvements and new R&D projects
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A proactive attitude and able to initiate and implement improvements independently.
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Relevant language skills, being fluent, written and spoken, in Dutch and English
What we offer
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A competitive employment package.
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A dynamic, enthusiastic and rapidly growing work environment, as we scale our fermentation capacity and further improve the output of our process.
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Autonomy and flexibility in your work and work hours.
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Being part of a small team of professionals with a strong can do mentality.
Interested?
Please send your resume and motivation to vacancies@theproteinbrewery.nl
At The Protein Brewery we are committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. We truly believe in the strength that comes with diversity in teams.