Research Associate – Protein Characterization & Functionality (all genders)

Role Overview

Formo Foods is looking for a motivated, analytical Research Associate to join our Protein Analytics team in Frankfurt am Main. You'll perform and further develop analytical methods with a strong focus on the comprehensive physicochemical and functional characterization of proteins and protein powders. Your data will directly shape how we optimize our fermentation-derived proteins for food applications.

You'll work closely with scientists across bioengineering, food science and fermentation technology in an interdisciplinary, dynamic environment and play a key role in the quality, functionality and performance of our innovative protein ingredients.

Location: Frankfurt am Main

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About Formo

At Formo, we’re rebuilding dairy to help create a just and resilient food system. 

Using precision fermentation, we produce real, bio-identical milk proteins, starting with casein, without the need for animals.

As a B2B ingredient company, we partner with leading food manufacturers to bring next-generation dairy products to market. We focus on developing and scaling high-performance dairy proteins that enable our partners to create exceptional products.

Our work sits at the intersection of molecular biology, food science, and industrial biotechnology. By combining cutting-edge science with deep application expertise, we empower the dairy industry to deliver products that are indulgent, functional, and more sustainable - without compromise.

Formo is a venture-backed, fast-growing company with an international team of entrepreneurs, scientists, and operators united by the ambition to transform dairy from within the industry. Together with our partners, we are shaping a future where animal-free dairy proteins unlock new possibilities for innovation at global scale.

Key Responsibilities

Analytical Testing & Method Development

• Execute and optimize a broad range of physicochemical and functional tests for protein powders, including color, dispersibility, moisture, bulk density, protein solubility, viscosity, foaming capacity & stability, and emulsification capacity & stability (method development and routine analysis)

• Contribute to method optimization and support ongoing R&D projects in close collaboration with scientists

Documentation & Quality

• Thoroughly document results, evaluate data and report findings to the team

Instrument Management

• Operate, maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot analytical instruments

About You

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Analytical Chemistry or a related field

• Solid knowledge and practical laboratory experience in food chemistry or food technology is highly desirable, particularly in the analytical and functional characterization of proteins

Technical & Functional Skills

• Good understanding of analytical method development and validation

• Experience with HPLC-UV analysis, sensory evaluation/aroma analysis (e.g. GC-MS) and rheology/texture optimization is a plus

• Experience in plant-based/alternative protein product development is a plus

• Excellent documentation and data evaluation skills

• Very good English skills; German is a plus

Mindset

• Careful, structured and reliable working style, with high motivation and scientific curiosity to learn new techniques

Collaboration & Communication

• Team-oriented mindset with good communication skills

Why you’ll love it here

Ready to shake things up?

At Formo, you don’t just trade your labor for compensation - you join a mission. One powered by frontier science, real-world impact, and a team of brilliant, driven people who care deeply about what they’re building.

You’ll work side by side with interdisciplinary experts across highly skilled entrepreneurs, scientists, and operators. We believe the best ideas emerge when diverse perspectives collide, and when people are trusted with responsibility, autonomy, and meaningful challenges.

We’re building something ambitious, and we take the work seriously - but not ourselves. Expect close collaboration, fast learning and innovation, and a culture that celebrates progress (often with tastings 🧀).

What we offer:

• Help reinvent one of the world’s most iconic food categories

• Participate in employee equity and build long-term ownership in what we’re creating

• Benefit from regular team off-sites, monthly perks like discounted public transport passes and fitness memberships

• Invest in your growth with a dedicated annual development budget for learning, training, and conferences

• Enjoy 28 days of paid vacation, and an additional day after 3 and 4 years tenure

• Make an impact on the environment and society with 1 (fully paid) Team Impact Day

• Work in an innovative office and lab environment with access to cutting-edge food and biotech infrastructure

• Connect over regular team lunches, healthy and not so healthy snacks and drinks and shared moments that bring the team together

Disclaimer

Formo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, genetic information, color, physical or mental disability, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.