New Product Development Officer
New Product Development Officer

New Product Development Officer

Ayr Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop innovative food and beverage products through hands-on formulation and testing.
  • Company: Join UQ’s Centre for Nutrition and Food Science, part of a $160 million initiative.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health discounts, and generous parental leave options.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in Australia’s food sector.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in product development preferred.
  • Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; all backgrounds encouraged to apply.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

  • Food and Beverage Accelerator Program: Based at Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Technology (QAAFI)
  • Full-time, fixed-term position through till March 2027.
  • Base salary will be in the range $82,133 – $91,295 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 5)
  • Based at our Long Pocket Indooroopilly site

About This Opportunity

As a New Product Development Officer (locally known as Senior Research Technician), you will play a key role in developing innovative food and beverage products as part of the nationally funded Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA). Hosted at UQ’s Centre for Nutrition and Food Science within QAAFI, this role supports industry-led innovation and research translation to boost growth in Australia’s food and beverage sector.

You’ll work hands-on across product categories, supporting formulation, pilot-scale production, and testing. You’ll also collaborate with industry partners, contribute to experimental design, and apply technical expertise in food processing, regulatory compliance, and product evaluation.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Support the development of new food and beverage products, including formulation and pilot-scale production.
  • Assist with experimental design, testing, and sensory evaluation, working closely with industry partners.
  • Apply technical expertise in food processing, regulatory compliance, and product safety and quality.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot scientific equipment, ensuring safe and efficient lab operations.
  • Contribute to research documentation, reporting, literature reviews, and routine team administration.

About FaBA

Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) is a $160 million initiative to boost growth and innovation in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Part of the Federal Government’s Trailblazer Program, FaBA leverages $50m of government investment with more than $110m from universities and industry. Partners work across four areas: the research programs ‘Innovative Ingredients’ and ‘Premium Food and Beverage Products’, and the enabling programs ‘Innovation Pathways’ and the ‘FaBA Training Centre’.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

  • 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
  • 17% superannuation contributions
  • 17.5% annual leave loading
  • Access to flexible working arrangements
  • Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
  • UQ Study for Staff
  • On campus childcare options
  • Free on-site parking (Long Pocket Campus)
  • Salary packaging options

About You

You’ll bring a strong foundation in food science and a passion for innovation, with the ability to apply your technical expertise to support industry and research in developing new products and processes.

  • Qualification in Science, Food Science and Technology, Food Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent experience/training.
  • Proven experience in new product development and formulation across food and/or beverage applications, including commercialisation.
  • Experience with oats and/or grains, and 5+ years in NPD, will be highly regarded.
  • Strong technical skills in food processing, regulatory interpretation, and product safety and quality evaluation.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Organised, methodical, and self-motivated, with a commitment to accuracy and excellence.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check and others as required.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Theresia Konrad at t.konrad@uq.edu.au

For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

  • Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section
  • Resume

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We\’re dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We\’re committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Friday 29 August 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-54754).

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New Product Development Officer employer: uWorkin

As a New Product Development Officer at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Technology (QAAFI), you will be part of a vibrant community dedicated to innovation in the food and beverage sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, UQ offers extensive benefits including flexible working arrangements, health and wellness discounts, and opportunities for professional development, all within a supportive and inclusive work culture that values your contributions. Located at the Long Pocket Indooroopilly site, you will collaborate with industry partners and leading researchers, making a meaningful impact on Australia's food landscape.
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Contact Detail:

uWorkin Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land New Product Development Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food and beverage innovation. Understanding current market demands and consumer preferences will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions with industry partners.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the food science and technology field. Attend relevant workshops, seminars, or conferences to connect with potential colleagues and industry leaders who can provide insights and possibly refer you to opportunities.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous work in new product development. Be ready to explain your role in formulation, testing, and collaboration with partners, as this will showcase your hands-on experience and technical expertise.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Technology (QAAFI) and the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) initiatives. Understanding their goals and projects will allow you to align your skills and experiences with their mission during interviews.

We think you need these skills to ace New Product Development Officer

Food Science Knowledge
Product Formulation Expertise
Pilot-Scale Production Skills
Sensory Evaluation Techniques
Technical Expertise in Food Processing
Regulatory Compliance Understanding
Product Safety and Quality Evaluation
Research Documentation Skills
Collaboration with Industry Partners
Experimental Design Proficiency
Troubleshooting Scientific Equipment
Strong Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Self-Motivation and Commitment to Excellence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter specifically addresses how your background aligns with the qualifications listed in the 'About You' section. Highlight your experience in food science and new product development, and express your passion for innovation.

Craft a Strong Resume: Your resume should clearly outline your relevant experience, particularly in new product development and formulation. Include specific examples of projects you've worked on, especially those involving oats or grains, to demonstrate your expertise.

Highlight Technical Skills: In both your cover letter and resume, emphasise your technical skills in food processing, regulatory compliance, and product safety. Use bullet points to make these skills stand out and ensure they are easy to find.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your cover letter and resume for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at uWorkin

✨Know Your Product Development Basics

Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of new product development, especially in the food and beverage sector. Be prepared to discuss your experience with formulation, pilot-scale production, and any relevant projects you've worked on.

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

Highlight your technical expertise in food processing and regulatory compliance during the interview. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in past roles, particularly in relation to product safety and quality evaluation.

✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios

Since the role involves working closely with industry partners, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated on projects. Be prepared to discuss how you handle teamwork and communication in a research environment.

✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Innovation

Express your enthusiasm for innovation in the food and beverage industry. Share any ideas or trends you find exciting and how you envision contributing to the Food and Beverage Accelerator's goals.

New Product Development Officer
uWorkin
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U
  • New Product Development Officer

    Ayr
    Full-Time
    50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-26

  • U

    uWorkin

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