Avinoam Lerer
Senior Food Scientist
Rehovot,,M
Summary
An experienced Senior Food Scientist over 9 years of hands-on experience in alternative protein and plant-based food innovation. I bring deep expertise in sustainable protein processing and food application development from lab to commercial scale. Proven ability to lead and deliver clean-label, consumer-driven products by bridging scientific insight with business strategy. Currently based in Israel, with firm plans to relocate to Berlin with my family.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Senior Process-Development Scientist
Equinom
01.2025 - Current
- Lead research in wheat flour milling, exploring how grain composition relates to milling performance and flour functionality.
- Act as a strategic link between product management and R&D, aligning business objectives with scientific exploration.
R&D Food Applications Program Manager
Equinom
02.2020 - 01.2025
- Led the end-to-end development of novel legume-based protein ingredients, scaling them from lab to commercial production.
- Designed and scaled sustainable protein extraction processes (dry fractionation, expeller-press) to produce functional protein concentrates and defatted flours for diverse applications.
- Spearheaded in-house extrusion trials for crisps, TVP, and HME, demonstrating ingredient functionality and creating new product opportunities.
- Conducted comprehensive functional analysis (gelation, emulsification, water-holding, solubility) to validate ingredient performance.
- Developed model applications, including protein bars, fortified baked goods, and meat/dairy alternatives, driving new product concepts.
- Managed a team of four food technologists and directed sensory panels.
Chief Food Technologist
Pasta Ricco – a Fresh Pasta and Ready-meals Manufacturer
11.2017 - 02.2020
- Developed products and optimized processes for fresh pasta, sauces, and dairy desserts.
- Planned and implemented new production lines; established ISO 22000 FSSC and ISO9001:2015 systems.
Quality Assurance and Production Technologist
Tnuva - Israel’s Largest Dairy Company
06.2016 - 10.2017
- Monitored quality systems and managed UHT/milk-beverage production lines.
- Investigated microbial issues and scaled up new products from R&D to production.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry & Food-science
The Hebrew University, Faculty of Agriculture
08.2015
Skills
- Brings practical creativity and fresh perspective to product development
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
- Model application development: protein bars, dairy and meat analogues
- Protein extrusion - TVP, puffs, crisps, HME - 2 years hands-on experience
- Full project ownership from concept through launch
- Product-oriented mindset with a strong ability to identify market trends
- In-depth understanding of ingredient functionality
- Planning and leading internal tasting panels and sensory evaluations
Certification
Project management, Israel (2024)
Software
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Interests
A keen endurance athlete and a Trombone player
Timeline
Senior Process-Development Scientist
Equinom
01.2025 - Current
R&D Food Applications Program Manager
Equinom
02.2020 - 01.2025
Chief Food Technologist
Pasta Ricco – a Fresh Pasta and Ready-meals Manufacturer
11.2017 - 02.2020
Quality Assurance and Production Technologist
Tnuva - Israel’s Largest Dairy Company
06.2016 - 10.2017
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry & Food-science
The Hebrew University, Faculty of Agriculture
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