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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to innovate plant-based protein solutions and develop market-ready ingredients.
- Company: AmaranthLabs, a pioneering foodtech startup on a mission for sustainable food innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, share options, gym membership, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the alternative protein space while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Food Science or related field, with 3+ years in protein ingredient development.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a dynamic lab environment at Abingdon Science Park.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
AmaranthLabs is a UK-based foodtech startup on a bold mission: to build the world’s first end-to-end platform to fully valorise amaranth – a climate-resilient, nutrient-dense ancient grain with its nutritionally complete functional protein and smallest granule among all known starches
The role
We are seeking a highly motivated Ingredient Scientist with significant experience in plant-derived proteins to join our R&D team. With a specific focus on protein purification, characterisation and formulation, this role will be instrumental in establishing the foundation for stable, effective, and marketable products. We are looking for individuals with a strong background in food science, biochemistry or formulation sciences, along with experience in developing market-ready ingredients for the food industry
We would love to meet candidates from a variety of backgrounds, and therefore urge applicants to apply for this role even if they feel they might not meet all of the required experience
What you’ll do
- Apply advanced protein purification and fractionation techniques (chromatography, ultrafiltration, isoelectric precipitation, membrane technologies) to enhance purity, yield, and functional traits
- Design and conduct experiments to characterise protein isolates and concentrates, analysing molecular weights,amino acid composition, secondary structure, and physicochemical properties
- Develop and refine functional testing protocols (emulsification, solubility, gelation, foaming, heat stability, water-holding capacity) for comparative benchmarking against commercial plant-protein ingredients
- Generate application-focused prototypes across multiple categories (bakery, dairy analogues, ready meals, sauces, nutritional beverages), driving product performance validation
- Prepare technical documentation including ingredient specifications, process SOPs, detailed formulation guides, and datasets for internal knowledge capture, client demonstrations, and regulatory compliance
- Collaborate with external partners (academic labs, CROs, equipment suppliers) to access advanced analytics (e.g., LC-MS, DSC, rheology, NMR) and pilot-scale processing technologies
- Support commercial engagement by leading technical demonstrations, preparing client-ready application samples, and interpreting experimental data for external stakeholders
- Ensure accurate record-keeping for all R&D activities to enable reproducibility, protect intellectual property, and support future patent filings
- Monitor emerging technologies and innovation trends in alternative proteins, ingredient processing, and sustainable food systems to proactively identify new product opportunities
- Work cross-functionally with senior leadership to align technical development with strategic business objectives and go-to-market activities
What we’re looking for
- BSc and MSc (PhD desirable) in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Protein/Enzyme Technology, or a related discipline
- 3+ years’ industrial or post-doctoral experience in protein ingredient development, ideally within the plant-based or functional food sector
- Strong technical expertise in protein chemistry, structure-function relationships, and modification methods (enzymatic hydrolysis, heat treatment, pH shifting, extrusion)
- Hands-on proficiency with protein isolation, purification, and advanced characterization tools (SDS-PAGE, HPLC, DSC, FTIR, rheometry, particle size analysis, surface hydrophobicity)
- Familiarity with scale-up considerations including pilot processing, drying technologies (spray- and freeze-drying), and implications for ingredient stability
- Proven track record of ingredient-to-market workflows, including data interpretation, specification generation, and formulation into commercial product matrices
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams, with strong communication skills to bridge technical and commercial perspectives
- A proactive and resourceful mindset with a passion for sustainable food innovation and for addressing challenges in the alternative protein space
Perks & benefits
- A competitive salary + performance bonus + share option scheme
- Brand new lab and office space in Abingdon Science Park (Oxfordshire)
- 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays
- Gym membership
- Ongoing learning and career development opportunities
Location
Main lab facility – Abingdon Science Park, Oxfordshire
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Ingredient Scientist – Protein employer: AmaranthLabs
Contact Detail:
AmaranthLabs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ingredient Scientist – Protein
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food science and protein development fields. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous work with plant-derived proteins. Include any experiments, prototypes, or technical documentation you've developed. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss advanced protein purification techniques and your experience with functional testing protocols. Confidence in your expertise can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at AmaranthLabs. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Ingredient Scientist – Protein
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Protein: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for plant-derived proteins shine through! We want to see how your background in food science or biochemistry aligns with our mission at AmaranthLabs.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; dive into the details! Share specific examples of your work with protein purification and formulation. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our R&D team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially those related to protein characterisation and functional testing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at AmaranthLabs!
How to prepare for a job interview at AmaranthLabs
✨Know Your Proteins
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of plant-derived proteins and purification techniques. Be ready to discuss specific methods like chromatography and ultrafiltration, as well as their applications in product development. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share concrete examples from your past work where you've successfully developed market-ready ingredients. Highlight any experience you have with functional testing protocols or ingredient-to-market workflows. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and how it aligns with what AmaranthLabs is looking for.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working cross-functionally, be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve bridged technical and commercial perspectives, as this will highlight your ability to communicate effectively and work well in interdisciplinary teams.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
Research current trends in alternative proteins and sustainable food systems. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could influence product development at AmaranthLabs. Showing that you’re proactive and knowledgeable about the industry will set you apart as a candidate who’s genuinely passionate about the field.