Sample Coordinator

Nutreco is a leading global animal nutrition company offering solutions that go beyond nutrition. We support our customers to produce more feed in a sustainable way to feed the growing population. In 2021, Nutreco established the Nutreco Exploration (NutEx) group who develops novel and proprietary ultra-specialty ingredients and empowers development of plant based innovative functional feeds. For this phytotechnology program, Nutreco founded a Competence Center for Medicinal Plant Solutions (Nutreco Garden of the Future = NuGaFu). We are currently seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Sample Coordinator to join the Discovery Team at NuGaFu. This role is vital for overseeing the collection, tracking, and management of plant and postbiotic (bacterial) samples, ensuring their integrity, documentation, and accessibility for research. The ideal candidate will bring experience in sample logistics, inventory control, and lab operations, with solid knowledge of both plant biology and microbiological protocols. A key responsibility will also be the evaluation and implementation of efficient software tools for improved sample management and data traceability.We are currently seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Sample Coordinator to join the Discovery Team at NuGaFu. This role is vital for overseeing the collection, tracking, and management of plant and postbiotic (bacterial) samples, ensuring their integrity, documentation, and accessibility for research. The ideal candidate will bring experience in sample logistics, inventory control, and lab operations, with solid knowledge of both plant biology and microbiological protocols. A key responsibility will also be the evaluation and implementation of efficient software tools for improved sample management and data traceability.

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Sample Collection & Processing: Oversee and execute the receipt, labeling, and preparation of plant and postbiotic bacteria samples for analysis or further processing, including full extracts.
• Plant Material Procurement: Source and acquire plant materials from external suppliers and research partners, ensuring timely availability and quality compliance.
• Supplier & Partner Coordination: Communicate with growers, suppliers, and botanical partners to organize shipments and align material specifications with research needs.
• Internal Material Flow Management: Track, record, and update the status of all plant and bacterial material entries and withdrawals.
• Forecasting & Reordering: Anticipate material needs and initiate timely reorders in collaboration with researchers and planners.
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as the central communication hub between Discovery and Laboratory Groups to ensure transparency and timely updates across projects.
• Inventory Management: Maintain an accurate database of all biological samples, ensuring proper storage conditions and traceability.
• Software Evaluation & Implementation: Research and recommend the best sample management software to streamline tracking, documentation, and compliance processes.
• Quality Control: Implement best practices for sample preservation, ensuring integrity for research purposes. Collaboration: Work closely with scientists, technicians, and external partners to coordinate sample requests and transfers.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure adherence to regulatory guidelines and maintain detailed records of sample origins, handling, and usage.
• Equipment & Storage Oversight: Manage freezers, drying chambers, and other storage systems to optimize sample longevity.
• Process Improvement: Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample handling, tracking, and digital management.

Requirements:

• Degree in Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in sample management, laboratory operations, or research logistics.
• Strong proficiency in inventory tracking systems, data management, and laboratory software solutions.
• Knowledge of plant biology, microbiology, taxonomy, and preservation techniques are a plus.
• Familiarity with laboratory software systems and database management tools.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

What else is in it for you?

We offer a highly creative, diverse, scientific, and imaginative environment with direct business impact and working in an interdisciplinary team with highly qualified, motivated people in a pleasant working environment.

We are looking for an engaged, hands-on team member who is aiming to further develop her-/himself, the team, and the company. We will offer you a fulltime position, 40 hours per week, Competitive remuneration package with a good pension scheme, you will get 25 vacation days, with the possibility to sell or purchase a limited number of days.