Empresa:

PFx Biotech, Lda

Descrição da Função

Senior Scientist - Nutrition & Functional Ingredients

(Job Ref: PT-002)

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Full-Time R&D Department

Shape the Future of Food and Wellness

Are you driven by science behind better nutrition? Do you have the expertise to transform breakthrough innovation in bioactive protein research into real-world health and wellness solutions? Join PFx Biotech as a Senior Scientist - Nutrition & Functional Ingredients and lead pioneering work in functional proteins, and contribute to clinical studies, and product development that will redefine sustainable nutrition and next-generation food innovation.

About Us

PFx Biotech is an ambitious biotech Startup redefining the landscape of food and nutrition ingredients through precision fermentation. We specialize in breastmilk-inspired proteins and bioactives, and alternative proteins designed for applications across infants, sports, and elderly nutrition. Our mission is to unlock the full potential of sustainable, functional proteins through cutting-edge science, bold thinking, and collaboration. From bench to scale-up, we are a cross-disciplinary team building the next wave of bioactive nutrition-where efficacy, sustainability, and market relevance converge.

The Role: What You'll Be Doing

We are looking for a full-time Senior Scientist with strong expertise in food science, nutrition, and functional bioactives. You will support and lead R&D projects from lab-based studies to data-driven insights that drive formulation, regulatory pathways, and commercialization. Reporting to the Head of R&D - Bioactivity, you'll work on protein bioactivity screening, formulation, digestibility, pre-clinical/clinical design, and functional property characterization-helping shape high-value ingredient portfolios for novel food applications.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and optimize functional food formulations.

Conduct bioactivity and functionality assays (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immune-modulatory, etc.).

Assess protein stability, solubility, digestibility (e.g., via INFOGEST protocol), and bioavailability.

Design and support pre-clinical and clinical studies to validate health claims and safety of novel ingredients.

Lead and mentor junior staff; author scientific reports, present findings across teams and external partners.

Build and maintain data platforms for bioactivity screening and mechanism-of-action profiling.

Liaise with microbiology, biotechnology, and regulatory colleagues to drive product development.

What You Bring

Education & Experience

PhD or MSc with 5+ years of relevant experience in Food Science, Human Nutrition, Nutritional Biochemistry, or related fields.

Proven track record in research involving bioactive ingredients-ideally with exposure to clinical or preclinical studies.

Solid understanding of human nutrition and physiology as it relates to protein-based health claims.

Technical Expertise

Strong hands-on experience in bioactivity assays, digestibility testing, and protein structure-function analysis.

Familiarity with functional ingredient testing (e.g., solubility, thermal stability, etc.).

Experience with regulatory compliance and technical documentation for food ingredients.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Familiarity with protein structure-function relationships.

Excellent communication skills with an ability to present complex data clearly.

Team-oriented and adaptable in a fast-paced Startup environment.

What We Offer

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Work in an innovative environment that's scientifically rigorous, entrepreneurial, and mission driven.

Exposure to a wide range of disciplines-from fermentation to nutrition to regulatory affairs.

Career growth opportunities within a fast-scaling biotech Startup.

A collaborative culture where curiosity and creativity are celebrated.

How to Apply

If you're excited to advance the science of nutrition and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable food future, we want to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a cover letter, referencing Job Ref: PT-002, to Diana Oliveira () no later than the 13 th of June 2025.

Join us in shaping the future of food, health, and biotechnology-one bioactive at a time!

Observações

Lisboa (Portugal)