Research Scientist
AAK
Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe.
We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.
Everything we do is about Making Better Happen.
AAK Locations
This position is based in one of our offices: Malmo (SE), Karlshamn (SE) or Aarhus (DK).
About The Role
Are you passionate about transforming cutting-edge science into real-world solutions? At AAK, you'll have the opportunity to explore breakthrough lipid technologies that can redefine the future of food and plant-based ingredients.
As a Research Scientist, you'll combine hands-on research with external collaboration to drive the development of next-generation lipid-based technologies. Working at the intersection of science and innovation, you'll design and lead research studies, evaluate emerging technologies, and collaborate with startups, customers, universities, and research partners to bring new ideas into AAK's innovation pipeline.
From oleogels and oleosomes to advanced structuring, delivery and encapsulation systems, you'll help unlock the potential of fats and lipids while identifying and integrating the latest scientific advancements into future products and technologies. If you're excited by curiosity-driven research, cross-functional collaboration, and making a tangible impact, this is an opportunity to help shape what comes next.
Responsibilities
- Design, plan, and execute laboratory- and pilot-scale experiments to develop next-generation lipid-based technologies and applications.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data, providing actionable insights, technical recommendations, and clear reports.
- Develop and optimize formulations, processes, and analytical methods to support technology maturation.
- Explore and evaluate emerging technologies, identifying opportunities aligned with AAK's innovation strategy.
- Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Quality, Commercial teams, and external partners to advance innovation and ensure research outcomes support project objectives.
- Build and maintain strong internal and external networks, including customers, startups, and academic partners.
- Present scientific findings and complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, helping identify and develop business opportunities.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Stay up to date with scientific advances and industry trends relevant to AAK's products and markets.
- Contribute to intellectual property generation, including patents and technical documentation.
- Degree (MSc or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline; PhD highly desirable.
- Substantial theoretical knowledge as well as proven experience in laboratory or applied research within food technology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, life sciences or other relevant fields.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective collaboration and communication skills, both written and verbal. Understanding of how to communicate with several stakeholders, both technical and non-technical.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
- Knowledge of safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements relevant to the role.
- Understanding of how to navigate in a complex organization with several stakeholders.
- Desire to understand and learn how business strategy interacts and give direction to innovation.
- Understanding of IP and especially patents is highly desired.
Please apply through our career portal. For further information about the position, please contact Sr Talent Acquisition Specialist: Valerija Usova: [email protected]
Please note: Due to the holiday season, applications will be reviewed at the beginning of August. We appreciate your patience and look forward to reviewing your application.
About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate and confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen for more than 150 years.
AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.