Research Alliances & Science Insourcing Lead - Nestlé Research

Location: Vers-chez-les-Blanc, Switzerland
Work model: On-site / Full time
Contract type / duration: Permanent
Target start date: As soon as possible

Shape the future through scientific breakthroughs and innovation.

As a Research Alliances & Science Insourcing Lead at Nestlé Research, your mission is to ensure Nestlé Research has access to the best science globally. By leading research alliances, science insourcing, and scientific intelligence, you will strengthen access to external expertise, scientific knowledge, literature, and innovation ecosystems that complement and amplify Nestlé Research’s scientific capabilities. Working closely with research leaders, science and technology teams, legal and contract partners, universities, research institutes, startups, scientific publishers, associations, and external experts, you will help transform ideas into sustainable and innovative solutions for people, pets, and the planet.

How you’ll make an impact as Research Alliances & Science Insourcing Lead

• Leading the research alliances and science insourcing strategy to build high-value partnerships with academia, startups, publishers, scientific and innovation ecosystems.
• Driving strategic collaborations that accelerate discovery, strengthen innovation impact, and support Nestlé Research priorities.
• Creating seamless access to internal and external scientific knowledge by connecting researchers to experts, scientific literature, publishers, information sources, and research services that expand Nestlé Research capabilities.
• Transforming scientific intelligence into a strategic capability by identifying, connecting, and translating emerging scientific trends, publications, and external expertise into actionable insights for research and innovation.
• Strengthening Nestlé Research’s scientific reputation by building trusted relationships with universities, talent pools, and external thought leaders.
• Developing an engaged, inclusive, and future-ready team that builds capabilities, fosters collaboration, and delivers shared priorities.

What will make you successful

• Bringing a PhD or equivalent scientific background, combined with the credibility and curiosity to connect cutting-edge science with business needs, innovation opportunities, and long-term value creation.
• Applying 10+ years of experience in R&D, scientific innovation, external collaborations, or related scientific leadership to shape strategy, influence stakeholders, and deliver measurable impact.
• Leveraging strong experience across Nestlé Research, Nestlé Product Technology Centers, and the broader R&D organization to foster connections between capabilities, partnerships, expertise, and scientific services, ensuring alignment with business and innovation priorities.
• Demonstrating success in academic partnerships, innovation ecosystems, with a proven ability to create trusted relationships and deliver measurable impact.
• Proven experience in leading complex initiatives in a direct or indirect leadership role.
• Bringing experience in the management, development, or strategic utilization of scientific infrastructures, research services, knowledge platforms, or shared capabilities.
• Demonstrating strong strategic communication and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific topics into compelling narratives, build alignment, and engage diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Bringing collaboration, intellectual curiosity, fresh thinking, constructive challenge, respect, and a positive mindset.

What to expect from our hiring process

We are committed to an inclusive and respectful hiring experience and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations if needed. Our workplaces are fully accessible and supported by a strong safety culture, with modern installations and procedures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

The hiring process typically includes a video interview with Talent Acquisition, an interview with the hiring team, and a final discussion and offer. We review applications as they are received and close the role once a strong list of relevant candidates is identified, so we encourage you to apply early. All information is treated confidentially.

Stay vigilant: Nestlé will only contact candidates via official company email addresses and will never ask for payments or sensitive personal information at any stage of the hiring process.

Ready to #BreakthroughTogether?

Apply now and shape the future through scientific breakthroughs and innovation.

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