Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Software
Interests
Timeline
Generic

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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Avinoam LererSenior Food Scientist