R&D Intern - Fat Blend Optimization

Location: Wageningen, Netherlands Hybrid: 2–3 days per week in the office Start date: September 2026 Duration: 6 months

About The Role

We are seeking a motivated and analytical student to join us as an R D Intern - Fat Blend Optimization to support our Fats Oils team. In this role, you will contribute to the development of data-driven approaches that enable faster and more efficient optimization of fat blends for value creation projects. You will work at the interface of product development and data analysis, helping to build optimization tools and structured datasets that support formulation decisions.

Your focus will be on generating alternative raw material combinations that meet defined functional targets, while complying with business constraints. During your internship, you will take ownership of a project aimed at building a structured repository of fat blends and their optimized alternatives. You will develop optimization algorithms, collect and analyse data, and translate outcomes into practical recommendations that support product design and cost efficiency initiatives.

Your work will help streamline value creation projects and enable more agile responses to changes in raw material prices. So, what does it take to be successful in this role? You are enrolled as a student for the entire duration of the internship You are a Master’s student in Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Data Science, Applied Physics, or a related field at a Dutch or a European university.

You have a strong analytical mindset and are comfortable working with complex datasets. You have programming skills, preferably in Python. You have an interest in modelling, optimization, or data-driven problem solving.

It is a plus if you have experience with optimization techniques, or formulation modelling. It is a plus if you have familiarity with fats and oils. What’s next?

If this position sounds interesting, please hit the apply button now! We understand your resume might not be up to date and recommend that you apply with what you have or your LinkedIn Profile.

Requirements

stated in the description, but we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this role or other roles. Flora Food Group is an employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunities for all.

Qualifications

, performance, skills, behaviours, experience, and knowledge. We ensure job advertisements are free from unintentional bias. No personal characteristics should be a barrier to joining Flora Food Group.

We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.