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- Tasks: Lead R&D in developing innovative functional nutrition products for women's health.
- Company: Early-stage company focused on marine algae and plant-based ingredients.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for permanent role, and collaborative research environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with high ownership and growth opportunities in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on women's health through cutting-edge product development.
- Qualifications: Experience in Food Science or Fermentation Science with hands-on product development.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are an early-stage company developing functional nutrition products for women’s health, focused on improving nutrient bioavailability and unlocking the potential of seaweed (marine algae) and plant-based ingredients. We are now building our first in-house R&D capability and looking for someone to play a key role in developing new products from concept through to early pilot scale, working closely with external partners, analytical labs, and technical experts.
Location: Harpenden, Hertfordshire (Rothamsted Research)
Type: Full-time (Initial 6-month fixed-term contract, with strong potential to extend)
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 FTE, pro rata for contract period
Our Work Combines:
- Fermentation
- Functional nutrition
- Food and beverage product development
The Role:
We are looking for a Product Developer (Fermentation & Functional Ingredients) to take ownership of day-to-day R&D and product development activities. This is a practical, self-directed role in a small team. You will design and run experiments, develop product concepts, and help translate scientific work into commercially viable food and beverage products across a range of formats and applications. This role involves hands-on food product development and formulation, from early experimentation through to practical product applications. You will be the primary technical lead in the lab, working closely with the founder and external collaborators. You will also play a key role in shaping how products and processes are developed as the company grows. This role will suit someone who enjoys working in an early-stage environment and taking ownership from the outset. The initial focus of the role will be on early-stage experimentation and development, with some involvement in small-scale pilot trials.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and run bench-scale experiments to support product and process development
- Work with plant-based materials and fermentation systems
- Explore how different approaches influence:
- Nutritional characteristics
- Functional performance
- Sensory profile
Required Experience:
- Background in Food Science, Fermentation Science, or a related field
- Relevant experience in industry or applied R&D (typically 3–5 years), with hands-on involvement in food or beverage product development, ideally including experience supporting products through pilot or launch stages
- Able to design and run experiments independently, including planning, execution, and interpretation
Skills and Approach:
- Hands-on experience with fermentation or related processes
- Able to connect process decisions to product outcomes
- Practical and adaptable, comfortable working in an early-stage, hands-on environment
- Curious, proactive, and able to take ownership
- Collaborative, with experience working with external partners or cross-functional teams
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple experiments and workstreams
What This Role Offers:
- High level of ownership and autonomy in R&D
- Opportunity to develop novel functional products for women’s health
- Exposure to a wide range of processes and applications
- Collaborative environment within a leading research setting at Rothamsted Research
- Clear pathway to a permanent role for the right candidate
Additional Information:
- Based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire (good access to London and Cambridge)
- On-site role, with some flexibility depending on work requirements
- Initial focus will be on early-stage development, with scope to expand into pilot and scale-up activities as the company grows
Product Developer (Fermentation & Functional Ingredients) in England employer: Oshun Labs
Contact Detail:
Oshun Labs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Developer (Fermentation & Functional Ingredients) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or experiments, make sure to highlight them in conversations. Bring along examples of your work to interviews or networking events to demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you’re interested in, like us at StudySmarter, and express your enthusiasm for potential roles. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s products and values. Tailor your responses to show how your background in fermentation and functional ingredients aligns with their mission. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about what we do!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer (Fermentation & Functional Ingredients) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match our job description. Highlight any relevant work in food science, fermentation, or product development to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re excited about this role and how your background aligns with our mission of developing functional nutrition products for women’s health.
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience: We love candidates who can demonstrate practical experience. Share specific examples of experiments you've designed or products you've developed, especially in fermentation or food product development.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into the process quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oshun Labs
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you have a solid understanding of fermentation processes and the functional ingredients you'll be working with. Brush up on how different plant-based materials can influence nutritional characteristics and sensory profiles, as this will likely come up in your interview.
✨Showcase Your Experimentation Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with designing and running experiments. Think of specific examples where you've taken ownership of a project, from planning through to execution, and how those experiences can translate into the role you're applying for.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working closely with external partners and cross-functional teams, highlight your collaborative experiences. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and work towards common goals, especially in an early-stage environment.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
This position requires someone who is practical and adaptable. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated challenges in previous roles, particularly in fast-paced or changing environments. Show them that you thrive when taking ownership and can pivot when necessary.