Senior Lab Technician - Downstream Process Development

At Corbion, we champion preservation in all its forms: preserving food and food production, health, and our planet.

 

Are you passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to innovative process solutions that truly make a difference?  For our Innovation Center Process Technology group, we are looking for a proactive, hands-on Senior R&D Process Development Technician with a focus on downstream processing.

 

The Process Technology group, located at Corbion’s largest global R&D site in Gorinchem, plays a central role in developing, improving, and scaling production processes. This site also houses our largest lactic acid derivative production facility, supporting our global business units. The team of around twenty scientists and technicians delivers innovative process design, development, and optimization across different scales, while driving technology transfer and implementation.

 

What you will do

As a Senior Technician, you will apply your theoretical background and practical industrial experience to design, coordinate, and execute experiments at laboratory and pilot scale, supporting process innovation and optimization projects. With a solid background in downstream unit operations and associated equipment operation at lab and pilot scale, you will play a key role in demonstrating experimental feasibility of process innovation initiatives. You will guide junior colleagues, ensure high-quality experimental execution, and collaborate across functions to deliver impactful results.

 

Key responsibilities

• Prepare experimental designs, realistic planning, deliverables, and equipment setup for process development and innovation projects.
• Lead and execute practical lab- and pilot-scale experiments, with a focus on operations (e.g. spray drying, granulation, crystallization, extraction, adsorption, evaporation, solid-liquid separation).
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and draw conclusions to provide input for next steps and process improvements.
• Ensure accurate documentation and timely reporting, in line with Corbion’s knowledge management guidelines.
• Draft and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Train, onboard, and supervise junior technicians and interns, sharing expertise and best practices.
• Collaborate effectively with project leads and other departments to support technology transfer and implementation.
• Actively contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient lab and pilot plant environment.

 

You bring

• BSc or preferably MSc degree in (bio-)chemical/process engineering or food technology with at least 3 years of industrial research and process technology hands-on experience, preferably in bio-chemical/food and/or feed industry segments.
• Track record in executing and leading laboratory and pilot scale tests and operating equipment setups, ideally in downstream process (DSP) unit operations related to solids (e.g. spray drying, granulation) and/or liquids (e.g. crystallization, extraction, adsorption, evaporation, solid-liquid separation).
• Result-driven mindset and can-do mentality.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills with affinity towards applying a pragmatic, hands-on approach.
• Team player personality with effective communication skills and fluency in English (written and oral).
• Willingness to travel internationally (up to 15%).

 

What We Offer

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation is encouraged and supported.
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of health, food, and sustainability.
• Access to state-of-the-art lab and pilot facilities and the chance to work alongside experts from various disciplines.
• A culture that values curiosity, ownership, and continuous learning.
• Competitive salary and benefits tailored to your experience and growth.
• Flexibility to develop your career within a global organization with a strong local presence.

 

 Why join Corbion?

• Meaningful impact: your work contributes to medical innovations that improve lives.
• Learn & grow: this entry-level role offers opportunities for t