Product Development Scientist - Food

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and technically skilled Product Development Scientist to join their busy research and development team in Edinburgh , focusing on new product creation within the FMCG food sector. You will be responsible for the end-to-end development of new food products, from concept ideation and formulation to pilot plant trials and scale-up support. This role requires a creative mind, a strong understanding of food science principles, and a passion for developing exciting new consumer products. You will work collaboratively with marketing, culinary, and operational teams to bring successful products to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, formulate, and develop new food products that meet market needs and business objectives.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experimentation, including ingredient sourcing, recipe development, and sensory evaluation.
• Plan and execute pilot plant trials, troubleshooting and optimizing processes for scalability.
• Collaborate closely with the marketing and consumer insights teams to ensure product concepts align with consumer desires.
• Provide technical support during the commercialization process, working with manufacturing to ensure smooth production scale-up.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations and quality standards.

Requirements

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in product development, ideally within the FMCG food industry .
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and processing technologies.
• Experience with sensory evaluation and product testing methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities to work on exciting and innovative new food products.
• Continuous learning and professional development support.
• A supportive and collaborative R&D environment in Edinburgh .
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.