Scientist in ResidencePlant-based Innovation

Company Description

What

EVIG is a company builder and impact investor in the alternative protein space. Together with pioneering scientists and entrepreneurs, we build and invest in companies to transform the global food system. Our focus is on approaches that have technology and science at their core, while having the potential to truly displace animal-derived products. Our aim is to build iconic companies in Europe that have an enduring positive impact on animals, planet and people.

Why

For us, ending the reliance on factory farming is the most important challenge of our time. Factory farming causes tremendous animal suffering, is destroying our planet, and is a catastrophic risk to our health. And the problem is getting worse. Even as global meat consumption is set to rise, the solutions to combat that are indeed within reach. Convergence of innovative technologies and rapid decline of application costs provide compelling scientific approaches towards a new era of food production.

How

At EVIG, we team up with bold scientists and entrepreneurs to create breakthrough solutions that displace animal-based food products. As part of our venture model, we provide critical components such as operational execution, essential infrastructure and access to partners, advisors, investors and capital. Having invested in companies such as Mission Barns, NovoNutrients and BIOMILQ, and having built the first startup in Europe dedicated to cell-based seafood — Bluu Biosciences — we are now looking for a Scientist in Residence with a strong focus on Plant-based Innovation (formulation and processing, crop engineering and ingredient optimization) for our next venture.

Plant-based Innovation

As Scientist in Residence at EVIG, you will define a clear focus area within the Plant-based Innovation space. After setting the scope, strategy and execution plan, we will co-found a company together. Our work will be centered around the global transition towards plant-based food systems with a focus on creating the world's most nutritious, delicious and sustainable food products made from plants - instead of animals.

We are looking for Scientists who are working on plant-based foods and meat analogues but also at platforms and other product innovations such as functional ingredients for specialized products (e.g. performance sports, infant nutrition, pet foods), molecular farming, novel formulations (e.g. clean label) and processing methods, machine learning platforms harnessing computational biology, crop engineering and ingredient optimization.

Expectations

You are passionate about the mission of transforming the global food system and dedicated to make a positive impact on the way the world eats.
You are a pioneer in your professional discipline with entrepreneurial skills, ambitions and a strong desire to create a global company that envisions and realizes a new future of food.
You are challenging conventions, even your own technologies and approaches, and are open to work with a diverse group of entrepreneurs, food technologists, engineers, chemists, chefs and biologists across disciplines to foster true innovation.

Qualifications

Ph.D in science, engineering or related field with ideally commercial work experience or Master’s degree with a minimum of 2 years of commercial work experience.
Explicit technical expertise in food technology, process engineering, chemical engineering, food product commercialization, computational biology, machine learning or other related fields within food, CPG, chemistry and/or biology.
Proven capabilities to problem solve, ideally you have already applied and translated technologies into commercial opportunities within industries.
Experience in managing or supervising teams is a plus.
Fluent in English.
Residing in Europe, preferably Berlin, Germany, or willing to relocate.

Benefits

Competitive salary and significant shares in the entity (German GmbH) of the new Plant-based Innovation venture as Managing Director.
The EVIG leadership team co-founds the company together with you and works operationally on the successful execution – backed by an in-house team of specialists.
We commit the pre-seed capital and provide an additional seed financing guarantee, meaning we ensure that we will close the subsequent round of financing successfully.
As the company grows and scales, we will tap into our global network of venture capital firms, family offices, strategic corporates and impact investors to secure significant funding from the most stand-out investors at every stage.
You can make full use of our spacious office setup in central Berlin, work from a vibrant ecosystem in the heart of Europe and benefit from interactions with other Founders in our network.
With EVIG you will receive world-class mentorship, advice and guidance from our Mentors and Partners and collaborate with industry players and science experts that are global leaders in their fields.

Additional Information

EVIG values diversity. We welcome all applicants - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, physical abilities, age, sexual orientation and identity.