At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch, shaping the future of health and nutrition.
- Company: Join KURK, a pioneering health and nutrition company in West London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, relocation support, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a small, passionate team with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative health products while working closely with the founder.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in product development with hands-on formulation experience.
Location: Twickenham, South West London (on-site)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (Monday to Friday)
Salary: £38,000–£45,000, plus performance bonus and up to £5,000 relocation support
Start date: Early October 2026
Reports to: Operations & Product Manager
KURK is a health and nutrition company making natural formulations to improve human health. We research, formulate, manufacture and sell our products — and we do it all from our own production facility and lab in West London. That means real science, real products, and full control from bench to shelf. We're a small team at an inflection point: investing in new science and growing our product range. This hire will shape what comes next.
The role:
This is an experienced NPD role with genuine end-to-end ownership. You'll take new products from brief to launch — consumer and market research, formulation, bench trials, sensory work, costing, scale-up and commercial launch — and you'll help define how NPD is done at KURK, not just follow a process someone else wrote. You'll work alongside our Operations & Product Manager, with direct access to the founder and real influence over the product pipeline.
What you'll do:
- Own NPD projects end to end: brief, research, formulation trials, sensory evaluation, costing and presentation to management
- Help design and embed KURK's stage-gate NPD process
- Manage external suppliers and manufacturers through development and scale-up: quotes, MOQs, purchase orders, lead times and factory trials
- Build the commercial case for new concepts — costing, pack formats, market and competitor analysis — ready for board-level sign-off
- Improve existing products — formulation, flavour and format — using customer feedback and market data
- Support production of KURK's product range: batch preparation, weighing to specification, quality documentation
- Help maintain the lab environment — hygiene, food safety and contamination protocols, stock and equipment
This is a hands-on role in a small company. Some days are formulation and strategy; some days are on your feet in the lab.
About you:
Essential
- Three to five years in a commercial NPD, R&D or product development role, with products you have personally taken from concept to launch. We will ask you to walk us through one of them in detail.
- Formulation and bench-trial experience, ideally across more than one format
- Experience coordinating external suppliers and manufacturers through scale-up
- Commercial instinct — you think about target price, cost of goods and manufacturing risk early, not at the end
- Working knowledge of food safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMP) and UK food regulation
- Self-directed: able to define the process, not only follow it
- A degree in food science, nutrition, chemistry or similar, or equivalent experience
- Able to work on-site in Twickenham, South West London
Desirable
- Liquids, emulsions, drinks or other functional formats
- Reformulation with measurable outcomes
- Nutritional labelling and claims under UK law
- Experience of a structured stage-gate process, or of building one
KURK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Product Development Scientist - Functional Nutrition in Twickenham employer: Kurk
KURK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets health and nutrition. With a focus on employee growth and direct influence over product development, team members enjoy the unique advantage of working in a hands-on role within our state-of-the-art facility in West London. Our collaborative culture fosters creativity and allows you to shape the future of our product range while benefiting from a supportive team dedicated to your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Scientist - Functional Nutrition in Twickenham
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Kurk.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Kurk!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Kurk, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Kurk, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Scientist - Functional Nutrition in Twickenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Kurk, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Kurk.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Kurk. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Kurk. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kurk
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Kurk’s mission.
