Internship/Thesis‒Sustainable Ingredients Production (Process Development & Scale-Up) (all genders)

We at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, with locations in Freising and Dresden, are leaders in research and development across our business areas: food, packaging, product impact, processing machinery, as well as recycling and environment. In our day‑to‑day work, we face current industry challenges and advance the key themes of tomorrow, such as bioeconomy, circular economy, health and well‑being, and safety and resilience.

In the Food Process Development department we develop high‑quality, healthy, and innovative food products. From the product idea, through model recipes, process concepts and sample production, to manufacturing process scale‑up of market‑ready products on an industrial scale; we consider all stages of development and research the interactions between formula, process/product properties, and their influence on product quality.

A particular focus of our Food Ingredients group is the characterization of functional ingredients, especially plant proteins and fiber. To ensure a sustainable food supply, novel ingredients must be examined for their functionality and optimised for use in food. A comprehensive understanding of the influencing factors can simplify the targeted use of ingredients in food. Various chemical, enzymatic or physical methods can be used to enhance and control functionality.

Responsibilities

• Process development for the extraction of ingredients and holistic utilisation from plant‑based raw materials and alternative protein sources
• Process optimisation on a laboratory scale and scale‑up to pilot scale
• Application and optimisation of processes such as dry and wet fractionation, cell disruption, and drying
• Development of process concepts for the use of side streams
• Development of modification processes to optimise ingredient properties

Qualifications

• Ongoing studies in food technology, biotechnology, food chemistry or nutritional sciences
• Scientific curiosity and a profound interest to explore and question new areas while working in the laboratory and on a pilot plant scale
• Good English skills (B2 level or above)
• An independent and diligent working style, paired with a scientific approach to evaluation and documentation, and team spirit
• Complete and meaningful application documents (CV, cover letter, and transcript of records)

Benefits

• Participation in innovative research projects and the chance to put your knowledge from your studies into practice
• Integration into the team and the opportunity to contribute your skills and take on responsibility from day one
• Flexible working hours to optimise your study and free time
• The opportunity to write your practical thesis with us
• Targeted and individual support from our employees

The number of weekly working hours is agreed on an individual basis.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.

Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV