Director of Research Development

Hartmann Young Limited; España; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartmann Young Limited is seeking a Director of R&D to shape the scientific strategy, drive clinical research programmes, and strengthen the evidence base behind nutrition ingredients. You will lead new insights, oversee trials, and engage with external partners while acting as a scientific ambassador globally.

You will drive external partnerships, translate complex science into commercial narratives, and collaborate with commercial, marketing, product development, and regulatory teams across

Qualifications

• PhD in Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biostatistics, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the long-term scientific strategy for the company.
• Oversee design, management and publication of human clinical trials.
• Build and manage relationships with universities, CROs and external partners.
• Translate scientific findings into compelling commercial narratives for stakeholders.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Clinical research

Academic partnerships

Scientific writing

Stakeholder management

Global engagement

Education

PhD in Nutrition/ Life Sciences/ Biomed

Job description

About the Role

Reporting into senior leadership, the Director of R&D will play a key role in shaping the company's scientific strategy, driving clinical research programmes, building academic partnerships, and strengthening the evidence base behind a portfolio of science-backed nutritional ingredients. This role sits at the intersection of science, innovation, clinical research, and commercial strategy. You will lead the development of new scientific insights, oversee clinical research activities, engage with external research partners, and act as a scientific ambassador for the business globally. The position offers significant visibility across the organisation and will support strategic growth initiatives across Europe, North America, and APAC.

Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership & Strategy

• Contribute to the development and execution of the company's long-term scientific strategy
• Identify emerging research opportunities and future health applications for existing and new ingredient technologies
• Stay at the forefront of developments within nutrition, health, and ingredient science
• Drive the generation and communication of scientific evidence across the organisation

Clinical Research

• Design, oversee, and manage human clinical trials from concept through publication
• Develop novel research hypotheses and study concepts
• Manage relationships with CROs, universities, and external research partners
• Ensure studies are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest scientific standards
• Lead the interpretation and communication of clinical outcomes

External Partnerships & Scientific Network

• Build and expand relationships with universities, research institutes, and key opinion leaders
• Identify opportunities for collaborative research programmes
• Support grant applications and external funding initiatives

Scientific Communication & Commercial Support

• Develop scientific publications, white papers, technical documents, and conference presentations
• Present scientific findings at industry events, customer meetings, and trade shows
• Partner closely with commercial, marketing, product development, and regulatory teams
• Translate complex scientific concepts into compelling commercial narratives

Qualifications

• PhD in Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biostatistics, or a related discipline

Required Skills

• Industry experience within nutraceuticals, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health ingredients, or adjacent sectors
• Strong experience managing clinical trials and external CRO relationships
• Experience taking ownership of clinical studies from design through execution and publication
• Proven track record of developing academic partnerships and research collaborations
• Strong scientific writing and presentation skills
• Comfortable engaging with customers, commercial teams, investors, and industry stakeholders
• Experience within dietary supplements, functional ingredients, omega-3s, lipids, proteins, or related categories would be advantageous

Preferred Skills

• Personal Profile
• Positive, proactive, and entrepreneurial
• Strong communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills
• Comfortable operating in a growing and evolving business environment
• Passionate about science, innovation, and translating research into commercial success
• Willing to travel internationally as required

Location: Open to candidates across Europe, with regular travel required for leadership meetings and external engagements. Huge win to be based or open to relocate to Oslo, but not essential.