Native Fermentation & Plant-Based Biotechnology
Position: Senior
Company: Grashka
Location: Ljubno ob Savinji, Slovenia
Work model: Hybrid, with regular presence in Slovenia
Start: ASAP
Reports to: CEO / Founders
Travel: Expected across European production and development sites
We are looking for a Head of R&D to lead the scientific and technological development behind it.
This role connects fermentation science, microbiology, food technology, IP, food safety and industrial scale-up. It is a senior leadership position with real influence on the future of the company and, for the right long-term fit, a possible path toward a co-founder-level role.
What you’ll do
- Lead the development of Grashka’s native fermentation platform
- Establish fermentation technology and processes on several production locations across Europe
- Develop fermentation processes, microbial consortia and scalable protocols
- Improve the nutritional, functional and sensory quality of plant-based foods
- Transfer ideas from lab to pilot and industrial production
- Build and protect IP, know-how and trade secrets
- Work with patent, quality, production and commercial teams
- Support national, regional and EU R&D grants
- Ensure alignment with food safety, HACCP, IFS, BRC and relevant regulation
- Build and lead the R&D team
- Work closely with the CEO, founders and production partners across Europe
Who we’re looking for
Someone with serious scientific depth, industrial experience and startup energy.
Ideally, you bring:
- 10+ years in R&D, food technology, fermentation, production or biotechnology
- Strong experience with fermentation and bioprocess development
- Experience taking innovation from lab to industrial scale
- Understanding of patents, IP and protected know-how
- Experience with R&D grants or EU-funded projects
- Strong knowledge of food safety, quality systems and regulatory requirements
- Strategic thinking, but also hands-on execution
Backgrounds we especially value:
- Microbiology
- Fermentation science
- Food biotechnology
- Production technology development
- Bioprocess engineering
- Food design and food innovation
- Functional nutrition / longevity science
A PhD or MSc in a relevant field is highly valued.
What we offer
- Senior leadership role in a fast-growing food biotech company
- Direct influence on Grashka’s technology and long-term strategy
- Hybrid work model
- International development scope
- Performance-based bonus structure
- Relocation support for international candidates
- Possible long-term co-founder track
- Optional equity package for the right long-term fit
Why Grashka
We are not building another plant-based brand.
We are building the technology behind better plant-based food: fermented, functional, scalable and made for the future.
If you want to help build a real food biotechnology platform from the inside, this is your chance.
Apply
Send us:
- Your CV
- A short motivation letter
- One fermentation, biotech or food innovation project you are proud of
Apply at: martin@grashka.co
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Selected candidates will be invited to complete a paid mini challenge based on a real-life work scenario. We will be particularly interested in how quickly you understand the problem, propose a solution, and turn it into an actionable plan.