Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic
Melis ORAS

Melis ORAS

Technical Flavourist
Istanbul

Summary

Chemical Engineer with a strong background in both R&D and culinary arts. Graduated from Yeditepe University (B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, English) and Erenköy Işık High School (English). Completed a thesis and TÜBİTAK project on polymer synthesis for bone tissue engineering and gained practical experience during an internship at a Belgium-based R&D and quality control firm. Professional experience spans the plastics industry (production, marketing, procurement), hospitality (5-star hotel culinary and food engineering roles), and pharmaceutical R&D (analytical method development and stability studies at Bilim İlaç). Currently working at Döhler as a Technical Flavourist, developing and testing flavor formulations for food and beverage applications.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages

Work History

Technical Flavourist

Döhler
02.2022 - Current
  • Develop, optimize, and apply flavour formulations into food recipes across various categories (beverages, dairy, confectionery, etc.)
  • Conduct sensory and analytical evaluations of raw materials to select and combine suitable flavour components
  • Create innovative flavour solutions tailored to product applications and consumer preferences
  • Organize and lead sensory panels to assess taste, aroma, and overall flavour profiles
  • Perform stability studies and shelf-life testing to ensure flavour performance over time


  • Collaborate with R&D, quality, and marketing teams in new product development projects

R&D Analyst

Bilim İlaç
01.2021 - 02.2022
  • Conducted research on novel materials, resulting in innovative product development and increased market competitiveness.
  • Worked in the R&D Analytical Department, focusing on method development and stability studies. Performed quantitative and impurity analyses of incoming products. Operated HPLC, FTIR, and UV-VIS instruments effectively and consistently. Gained strong knowledge of GMP and GLP regulations.

Demi Chef De Partie

The Bodrum by Paramount
03.2020 - 10.2020
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment in compliance with health department standards.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep work and implementing proper mise en place techniques.
  • Consistently followed recipes accurately while also adding personal touches when appropriate to enhance flavor profiles.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies without compromising the quality of dishes.
  • Collaborated with senior chefs to prepare high-quality dishes during high-volume service periods.
  • Assisted with menu development for seasonal offerings, focusing on local and sustainable ingredients.
  • Trained junior staff on culinary techniques, resulting in consistent dish preparation across the team.

Demi Chef

Rixos Hotel- Bodrum
05.2019 - 10.2019
  • Adhered to food safety regulations and culinary best practices in preparation of ingredients and meals.
  • Reduced costs and losses through regular rotation of fresh food items and employment of waste-reduction food prep techniques.
  • Boosted kitchen morale and productivity through genuine respect for colleagues, open communication, and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional growth.
  • Assisted in inventory management, ordering supplies and ingredients as needed to maintain adequate stock levels.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and optimizing workstation organization.
  • Supported chef de partie in daily mise-en-place, assigned preparation projects and inventory activities.
  • Assisted with development of new menu items, researching and workshopping recipes compatible with existing menu.
  • Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.

Student Assistant

Yeditepe University
09.2014 - 01.2017

Took on tasks such as attending laboratory classes in the chemical engineering department accompanied by assistants and assisting with the preparation and completion of classes.

Education

Master of Science - Design And Innovation For Sustainable Food Systems

Yeditepe University
Istanbul, Turkey
06-2025

No Degree - Professional Chef

Culinary Art Academy
Istanbul
09-2019

Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering

Yeditepe Univesity
Istanbul, Turkey
01-2019

Skills

Friendly, positive attitude

Certification

HACCP

Accomplishments

As the Project Lead of Taste Fusion, I conceptualized and developed innovative food and beverage menus utilizing Döhler-produced ingredients. I designed precise flavor pairings and combinations to enhance sensory experiences, ensuring each dish and drink achieved optimal taste, aroma, and texture. My role involved translating technical ingredient knowledge into practical culinary applications, experimenting with novel formulations, and aligning menu creations with contemporary gastronomic trends. This project allowed me to bridge the gap between food science and culinary creativity, delivering cohesive and memorable dining experiences.

Timeline

Technical Flavourist

Döhler
02.2022 - Current

R&D Analyst

Bilim İlaç
01.2021 - 02.2022

Demi Chef De Partie

The Bodrum by Paramount
03.2020 - 10.2020

L2 Proffesional Cooking (City&Guilds)

09-2019

Demi Chef

Rixos Hotel- Bodrum
05.2019 - 10.2019

HACCP

03-2019

Student Assistant

Yeditepe University
09.2014 - 01.2017

Master of Science - Design And Innovation For Sustainable Food Systems

Yeditepe University

No Degree - Professional Chef

Culinary Art Academy

Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering

Yeditepe Univesity
Melis ORASTechnical Flavourist