Location: Patras, Greece
Organisation: QLC – Quality Lean Center
Contract type: Project-based contract (8 months)
Possibility of extension: Up to 8 additional months depending on project progress
Organisation
QLC – Quality Lean Center is a consulting and research firm focusing on the interface between science, industry and innovation. Since 2005, QLC has been supporting companies and research organizations through the design and implementation of R&D projects, quality systems and sustainability initiatives.
Within the framework of a newly funded research project, QLC is seeking a Research Scientist to contribute to the implementation of applied research activities in the field of microbial biotechnology and fermentation technologies.
Project Overview
The selected candidate will participate in the research project:
“Ethanol reduction in wines by natural processes: A holistic innovative approach for the sustainability of Greek wine production in response to climate change”. The project is implemented by Cavino S.A. and QLC, with ELGO-Dimitra and the University of West Attica participating as subcontractors.
The project is co-financed by the European Union and Greek national funds through the Programme COMPETITIVENESS, under the call RESEARCH – INNOVATE (Project Code: ΕΚΠΑΡ01-0077035).
The project aims to develop natural and non-invasive approaches to reducing ethanol content, while preserving the qualitative and sensory identity of Greek wines. The project’s strategy is based on three main pillars:
- Implementation of innovative viticultural practices adapted to new climatic conditions
- Utilization of indigenous and non-Saccharomyces yeast strains with lower ethanol yield
- Scientifically documented and targeted management of alcoholic fermentation
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of the project’s research activities and deliverables, including:
- Isolation and characterization of novel non-Saccharomyces microorganisms with potential applications in winemaking
- Experimental evaluation of microbial strains in fermentation processes
- Optimization of microbial cultivation and stabilization techniques, including freeze-drying
- Conducting microbiological and analytical laboratory work
- Processing and analysis of experimental data
- Preparation of technical reports and project deliverables
- Participation in project meetings, dissemination activities and presentations
- Support in the preparation of material for intermediate and final project reviews
Part of the research activities may be conducted at collaborating research institutes. Occasional travel within Greece or abroad may be required depending on project needs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture, Oenology, Food Science or a related discipline
- Experience in laboratory-based research activities
- Familiarity with microbiological techniques and microbial culture handling
- Ability to work independently while meeting project deadlines
- Strong organisational and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Greek and English
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
Preferred Qualifications
- MSc in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food Science or related fields
- Experience with fermentation technologies or microbial strain isolation
- Experience in freeze-drying techniques and microbial stabilization processes
- Previous participation in research or innovation projects
Contract Conditions
The position is offered on a project-based contract of 8 months, with the possibility of extension for up to 8 additional months, depending on project needs and performance. The position will be based in Patras, Greece, at QLC’s research facilities. Part of the experimental work will be conducted in collaboration with research institutes in Athens.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV by 31 March 2026 to info@qlc.gr or apply via LinkedIn. Please indicate in the email subject: “Research Scientist – Project ΕΚΠΑΡ01-0077035”. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
Equal Opportunities
QLC is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from candidates regardless of gender, age, nationality, religion or disability.
