The Nestlé Group is the world's largest food and beverage company with 92.6 billion Swiss Francs in sales in 2019. It is present in 187 countries around the world, has 403 factories and its 291'000 employees are committed to Nestlé's purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. Nestlé offers a wide portfolio of products and services for people and their pets throughout their lives. Its more than 2000 brands range from global icons like Nescafé or Nespresso to local favourites. Company performance is driven by its Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy. Nestlé is based in the Swiss town of Vevey where it was founded more than 150 years ago. Learn more about our Group and reasons to join us on www.nestle.com
Position Snapshot
Location: Orbe, Switzerland
Company: Nestlé Product Technology Centre Coffee
Act. Rate: Full-Time, 100%
Type of contract: Permanent contract
Ideal start date: 01.09.2025
Position Summary
The Nestlé Product Technology Centre Coffee (NPTC Coffee) is the leading R&D organization that discovers, develops and deploys coffee and beverage products and technologies for in-home and out-of-home consumption.
It consists of units in Konolfingen (CH), Marysville (USA), Orbe (CH) and Singapore and provides new products and processes to all Nestlé markets worldwide.
Our mission - to delight the consumer wherever, whenever, however by delivering moments of genuine pleasure and indulgence - drives the need for us to attract, select and develop the right people for the right jobs throughout the value chain of our business.
As a Research Assistant in Chemistry laboratory, you will support and develop technical and scientific activities, apply goal alignment and safety principles as well as drive advanced analytics. This position will focus specifically on the aroma stream of the chemistry group, with a key role to maintain GC-MS instruments and develop analytical methods using this technology.
Your role will be instrumental in optimizing laboratory operations and maintaining a competitive edge through innovative methods. You will also contribute to resource management by actively prioritizing analytical requests and aligning team capabilities with project timelines in close collaboration with the S&T team.
A day-to-day life in this position
- Collaborate with Science and Technology as well as cross-functional teams, external partners, and suppliers to propose new ideas, activities, and methods aligned with strategy roadmaps
- Test and develop new methods using GC-MS or LC-MS instruments.
- Support projects through specific analysis
- Develop and incorporate key Nestlé Initiatives and improvement projects into team activities, such as 5S, laboratory LIMS, sustainability initiatives and develop user-friendly digital tools for result interpretation.
- Coach technicians in method development, troubleshooting of equipment and presentations
- Optimize workflows by anticipating needs and adjusting priorities to ensure smooth lab execution
- Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices
- Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to drive innovation in laboratory operations
What will make you successful
- Master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields
- Successful experience of at least 5 years in R&D laboratory, is a plus
- Deep understanding of aroma and taste principles, including sensory evaluation techniques, flavor profiling, and aroma analysis, as well as in-depth knowledge of analytics and method validation
- Proficiency in analytical chemistry techniques, including gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, extractions, with practical hands-on experience
- Strong understanding and adherence to Good Laboratory Practices, compliance, quality, and safety protocols
- Track record of continuous improvement in technical and digital aspects, including scouting for cutting-edge instruments
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional collaboration, communicate effectively across levels, and manage priorities in a dynamic environment
- Fluent in both written and spoken English and French
At Nestlé, we want to help shape a better and healthier world, inspire people to live healthier lives and deliver impact at a scale and pace that makes a difference. We do this by fostering a diverse, friendly, supportive, and collaborative environment, that creates positive disruption, embraces innovation, and empowers people and teams to win.
We aim to hire friendly, respectful, inspiring people who care about the people's lives that we touch every single day.
Be a force for good. Join Nestlé and visit us on www.nestle.com.