Analytical Technical Specialist
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 LOCATION
This position is based on site in Karlshamn
About the role
AAK is seeking to appoint an Analytical Technical Specialist to join our Dairy, Plant-Based and Savory Applications team at the Customer Innovation Center in Karlshamn, Sweden. The team forms part of the Applied Innovation function for Europe and plays a key role in supporting AAK’s strategic initiatives through the delivery of customer innovation projects, internal product development, and technical support during training sessions and trade shows. As an Analytical Technical Specialist, you will serve as the team’s technical expert in analytics, responsible for planning and executing analytical studies that support Scientists, Technologists, and Technical Specialists. In this role, you will develop analytical methods and protocols focused on the physical analysis of fats, oils, and food solutions, as well as food prototypes across a range of applications. You will be part of a small, collaborative team driving application development within Savory, Dairy, and Plant-Based food solutions for the European market. As such, you will be expected to contribute flexibly to broader team activities, while also supporting internal training programs and customer-facing initiatives.
Responsibilities
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Take an active role in executing analytical work for food application projects, following established procedures and guidelines to support problem-solving, product improvement, and the development of new solutions in close collaboration with Customer Innovation Managers.
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Perform routine analytical, experimental, and investigative work in line with agreed research plans and project timelines, using key analytical techniques including Texture Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Particle Size Distribution, and Microscopy.
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Set up and operate laboratory test equipment, develop and optimize analytical methods, evaluate and interpret test data, and prepare detailed technical reports with clear conclusions and recommendations.
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Carry out routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of laboratory equipment to ensure the Dairy, Savory, and Analytical laboratories operate efficiently and in compliance with best scientific practices and international standards.
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Collaborate closely with Global Innovation teams to implement and harmonize global analytical standards across regional Customer Innovation Centers and networks.
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Support customer and partner visits, as well as the delivery of technical training sessions for customers and colleagues, promoting best practices and consistent execution across teams.
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Maintain and continuously expand technical expertise by staying informed on emerging scientific developments, analytical technologies, and industry innovations relevant to food applications and research.
About you
University degree in Analytical Chemistry, Technical Analytical Chemistry, Food Science and Technology, or a related scientific discipline.-
Minimum of 5 years’ experience performing physical and/or chemical analyses within a laboratory or food application environment.
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Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing and maintaining laboratory equipment to ensure reliable performance and compliance with laboratory standards.
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Proven experience in the operation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of analytical laboratory equipment.
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Ability to independently plan, execute, interpret, and report analytical studies and results in a structured and accurate manner.
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Professional experience working within B2B and/or B2C environments, ideally within the food, ingredients, or related industries.
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Solid understanding of oils and fats chemistry, including relevant analytical methods and applications.
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Strong analytical thinking, organizational capabilities, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and scientific accuracy.
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Collaborative team player who is comfortable working in a small team environment and supporting colleagues with both laboratory activities and technical expertise.
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Self-motivated, creative, and solution-oriented, with an innovative mindset and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
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Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency and is comfortable managing complexity, uncertainty, and competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
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Driven to challenge existing ways of working and identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
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Customer-oriented and business-focused, with the ability to balance technical excellence with commercial objectives.
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Comfortable working in an international and multicultural business environment.
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Experience working within a matrix organization, with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across functions and regions.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in both Swedish and English.
In return AAK offers
Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability.-
In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.
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You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability-focused approach.
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Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.
Contact and information
For further information about the position, please contact Conor Kelly, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist: [email protected] or the hiring manager, Martin Antonsson, Team Leader Dairy, PBF & Savory Applications by email: [email protected]
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.
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