R&D lead
Location: Oxfordshire
Key Skills: Significant experience in development of Plant-based food ingredients. Prior commercial experience in a R&D leadership role.
Role overview: This is an exciting opportunity to build and lead the R&D capabilities in a newly established and fully funded food-tech start-up, working on developing a versatile range of sustainable functional food ingredients from a grain called amaranth.
Job Overview:
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Develop a detailed R&D strategy to create an innovative protein/starch extraction process and develop a range of functional food ingredients
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Validate the R&D lab layout and design the workflow (incl. equipment)
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Hire the R&D team (amend existing job descriptions, leverage own and external networks to scout for candidates, interview, onboard successful applicants)
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Manage the process and ingredient development
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Work with external partners and laboratories to conduct experiments and analytical tests
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Develop a pipeline of research projects to be done with academic institutions in the UK
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Overall: lead, strategize, plan, organize, communicate internally and externally.
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Accountable for daily decision making in the lab
Capability requirements:
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PhD in a related field
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10+ years of experience in developing & commercializing food ingredients
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Experience in grain processing or plant-based protein extraction is preferred
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Experience in launching an R&D facility and assembling a team is preferred
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Deep knowledge of food and food industry (ingredients and Consumer Packaged Goods)
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Creative proactive entrepreneurial approach to work
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Strong business acumen, leadership, planning, strategy, communication
Package:
Our client offers a permanent position with a starting salary of £70,000-£80,000 (depending on experience). This is an opportunity to join the company at start-up phase with significant career development as the company growth