Principal Scientist, R&D – Open Innovation Expert
Core
Lead and scale Open Innovation initiatives to accelerate product, process, and packaging innovation in the food business by managing external partnerships and governing the Open Innovation program.
Role type
Principal Scientist, R&D – Open Innovation Expert
Builds
Novel technology platforms, digital transformation capabilities, and AI-integrated R&D solutions for the food industry.
Domain
Food Science / CPG / Open Innovation / AI & Digital Transformation
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | research | client delivery
Required skills
Open Innovation strategy definition, partner scouting and management, joint development agreement negotiation, IP strategy and licensing, technology assessment (LLMs, autonomous agents, robotics, simulation, sensory analytics, predictive shelf-life modelling, Digital Twins), cross-functional influence, executive communication, vendor selection.
Preferred skills
Experience with corporate venturing, scouting platforms, challenges-based open innovation programs, knowledge of food products and manufacturing processes.
Technologies
LLMs, autonomous agents, robotics, simulation, sensory analytics, predictive shelf-life modelling, Digital Twins
Responsibilities
Define and execute Open Innovation strategy and technology roadmaps integrating AI; facilitate decision-making for Open Innovation projects; identify and evaluate startups, academic labs, and vendors; design and run innovation challenges, hackathons, and POCs; negotiate joint development and license agreements; perform preliminary technical and business assessments of emerging technologies.
Seniority
Principal, strategy & mentorship
