R&D Laboratory Associate

Cacaolab is looking for a full-time R&D Laboratory Associate with a keen interest in cocoa and chocolate science and technology. In this hands-on support role, you will assist our laboratory activities and help Project Managers prepare clear project outputs, including processed data, graphs, tables, PowerPoint presentations and written reports.

Job description

The R&D Laboratory Associate will work closely with the Project Managers and lab technician and will be assigned the following tasks:

  • Conducting scientific experiments and collecting data meticulously and accurately. Experiments will be carried out on cocoa, chocolate and related products and comprise:

    • Chemical analyses such as determining nutritional parameters (fat content, protein content, ash content, etc.), water content, fat composition, fat oxidation parameters, etc.

    • Physicochemical analyses such as determining particle size distribution via laser diffraction, flow behavior via rheology, textural parameters via texture analysis, crystallization and melting properties via DSC and NMR, product microstructure via (polarized) light microscopy or scanning electron microscopy, etc.

    • Sensory analyses including instrumental analysis (GC-MS, E-nose) and trained panels;

  • Processing experimental data correctly, checking results critically and preparing clear tables and graphs for internal discussion and customer deliverables;

  • Assisting Project Managers in preparing concise syntheses of project results, either as PowerPoint presentations or as written reports for customers;

  • Keeping your superior informed about project progress, completed tasks and any practical issues encountered during laboratory or reporting work;

  • Presenting experimental work and results clearly to the internal team when required;

  • Carrying out assigned tasks within the agreed timing and reporting possible deviations in planning, workload or budget to your superior;

  • Assisting the team in training events (organized both physically at Cacaolab or online);

  • Being flexible in performing other tasks that are required within a small company.

Your profile

  • You hold or are about to obtain a Bachelor degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Bioscience Engineering (Food Industry), Biochemical Engineering Technology, Food Technology, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a similar field, or you have 1-2 years of relevant experience in the food industry. The degree requirements need to be fulfilled at the start of your appointment;

  • You are a Belgian resident, or resident of a Member State of the European Economic Area or you have a valid work permit for Belgium;

  • You have a keen interest in applied scientific work and enjoy combining hands-on laboratory activities with data processing and reporting;

  • You distinguish yourself through accuracy, reliability and a practical approach to laboratory work, data handling and reporting;

  • Preferably you have experience in analytical techniques to characterize nano-, micro-, meso- and/or macroscopic properties of fat containing foods;

  • You show the necessary independence, motivation, dedication and initiative;

  • You pay attention to details, you can analyze data in a meticulous and critical way and you have excellent reporting skills;

  • You value team spirit;

  • You fluently write and speak English; Writing and speaking Dutch is a plus, but not mandatory.

  • You can work fluently with MS Office applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and you are able to prepare clear graphs, tables and presentation slides.

What do we offer?

A position with a wide variety of responsibilities and the opportunity to work in an innovative, high-performing and fast-evolving company.

Interested?

For more information about this vacancy or to apply, please send your CV and motivation letter to General Manager Claudia Delbaere (Claudia.Delbaere@Cacaolab.be; +32 472 59 87 34).

 The application deadline is September 15, 2026.