Product Development Scientist
Location: Lincoln
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (40 hours per week)
Salary: £32,720 – £35,720 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Product Development Scientist to join a market-leading nutraceutical manufacturer. This is a key role within a growing Research & Development team, driving innovation and delivering high-quality health products for leading global brands.
Product Development Scientist
The Product Development Scientist will play a pivotal role in the design, development and optimisation of new and existing nutraceutical products. Working within a multidisciplinary R&D environment, you will lead projects from initial concept through to full-scale production, ensuring commercial viability, technical excellence and regulatory compliance at every stage.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Innovation
Conduct in-depth research into new ingredients, emerging technologies, manufacturing processes and consumer trends to identify opportunities for new product development.
Evaluate potential raw materials, suppliers and technologies to ensure product quality, functionality and cost-effectiveness.
Contribute to ideation and concept development, applying scientific rigour to create innovative nutraceutical products aligned with market needs.
Formulation and Development
Develop and optimise product formulations across multiple formats, including tablets, capsules, gummies, softgels and powder blends.
Determine appropriate dosages, ingredient compatibility, and delivery systems to achieve desired functionality and stability.
Manage and execute laboratory trials, pilot runs and stability studies to assess product performance and shelf life.
Document all formulation processes in accordance with internal quality systems and regulatory standards.
Process Optimisation and Scale-Up
Translate laboratory formulations into commercially viable manufacturing processes.
Identify and implement process improvements, equipment modifications and raw material refinements to ensure consistent quality at scale.
Develop process control measures and collaborate with production teams to ensure efficient transfer to full-scale manufacturing
Testing, Validation and Compliance
Design and conduct rigorous testing programmes to validate new products and processes, ensuring they meet technical, regulatory and quality standards.
Analyse test data to support product claims, regulatory submissions and marketing communications.
Maintain awareness of relevant legislation, safety protocols and quality management systems, ensuring all development activities are fully compliant.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with colleagues across Commercial, Marketing, Procurement and Production functions to align development activities with business objectives.
Provide scientific and technical input during product launches and post-launch reviews.
Contribute to troubleshooting and problem-solving during production and scale-up phases.
Data Analysis and Reporting
Record, analyse and interpret experimental data to inform decision-making and optimise formulations.
Prepare technical reports, presentations and documentation to support internal stakeholders and external clients.
About You
The ideal Product Development Scientist will be able to combine scientific expertise with a practical, commercially focused mindset.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry or a related scientific discipline.
HACCP or other Food Safety Management System certifications are desirable.
Experience and Skills
Previous experience in product development within nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, FMCG or food manufacturing environments.
Strong technical understanding of formulation science, ingredient functionality and manufacturing processes.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, delivering high-quality outputs within set deadlines.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
