Senior Officer, Nutrition R&D

Gates Foundation; South Delhi; Remote; INR 3,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Family leave

Retirement contribution

Regional holidays

Employee communities

Job summary

The Gates Foundation is seeking a Senior Officer, Nutrition R&D to lead and grow a portfolio focused on India and select Africa initiatives. You will guide technological innovations strengthening large‑scale food fortification, collaborate with global experts, and influence strategic priorities.

Remote work options are available for the right candidate, with travel anticipated up to 30%. You will work from the India Country Office in New Delhi and report to the Deputy Director of Agricultural

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• At least 10 years of senior‑level experience in R&D, technology innovation or product development.
• Experience managing complex R&D portfolios in nutrition or life sciences.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical oversight of R&D projects from early research to regulatory approval.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of investments to advance LSFF technologies in LMICs.
• Lead due diligence and provide evidence‑based funding recommendations to leadership.
• Oversee grant implementation, budgets, milestones, and reporting.
• Stay abreast of advances in nutrition science and emerging technologies.

Skills

RnD leadership

Nutrition science

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Biochemistry/Food Science/Nutrition

Job description

The Foundation

We are the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on a simple premise: people everywhere, regardless of identity or circumstances, should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives. We believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve. We provide an exceptional benefits package to employees and their families which include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-paid retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities to engage in several employee communities. As a workplace, we’re committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.

The Foundation

We are the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on a simple premise: people everywhere, regardless of identity or circumstances, should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives. We believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve. We provide an exceptional benefits package to employees and their families which include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-paid retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities to engage in several employee communities. As a workplace, we’re committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.

The Team

The Global Growth & Opportunity division works to catalyze sustainable transformative change in the face of inequities and market failures, to realize the potential of untapped markets, and to see the economic and social benefits of including everyone. We focus on the areas of Agricultural Development; Inclusive Financial Systems; Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Nutrition; Global Education; and Digital Public Infrastructure. We seek solutions that are sustainable, ground‑breaking, and inclusive with an eye toward applying technology innovations as well as data evidence to lead change in the world’s developing countries.

Within the GGO division, the Nutrition program strategy team (PST) focuses on addressing micronutrient deficiencies at the population level through the development, implementation, and scaling of large‑scale food fortification (LSFF). The team’s portfolio includes investments to produce actionable data & insights to inform our strategy and support countries in the design, monitoring & evaluation of LSFF to achieve population impact; delivers high-quality technical assistance to millers and food producers; advances new innovations in micronutrients and food vehicles; supports quality assurance data in mills to empower industry self‑monitoring; and strengthens public sector standards and regulations for LSFF programs. We work with partners across public and private sectors to support the attainment of SDG 2: A global commitment to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition.

Your Role

As a Senior Officer, Nutrition R&D on our agile and impact‑first Nutrition team, you will manage and grow a portfolio of investments primarily focused on India, with some engagement in Africa, to advance technology and product innovations that strengthen LSFF.

The role requires a deep understanding of India’s nutrition ecosystem and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical experts across the Nutrition team, GGO division and the broader Foundation. The postholder will provide technical leadership, help shape strategy and influence key decisions to advance the LSFF strategic priorities.

The role sits within the Foundation’s India Country Office in New Delhi, however we are open to considering a remote work arrangement for the right candidate whose qualifications and experience strongly align with the requirements of the role. The postholder reports to the Deputy Director, Agricultural Development and Nutrition - South Asia, and works in close alignment with the strategic priorities of the global Nutrition PST.

What You’ll Do

• R&D and Product Development: Provide strategic and technical oversight of complex R&D projects and partnerships across the product development continuum, from early‑stage research to technology development, formulation optimization, product development, process scaleup, clinical trials, and regulatory approval.
• Investment Management: Develop and manage a portfolio of investments focused on advancing technology and product innovations to improve LSFF programmes in priority low‑and middle‑income countries (LMICs).
• Investment Strategy and Prioritisation: Develop frameworks to identify, assess and prioritise high‑impact nutrition innovations. Lead due diligence on investment opportunities and provide evidence‑based funding recommendations to foundation leadership.
• Grant and Portfolio Oversight: Oversee grant implementation and performance, providing technical guidance to grantees, monitoring milestones, managing budgets and reporting, and ensuring investments deliver intended outcomes.
• Scientific and Technical Expertise: Stay abreast of advances in nutrition science and emerging technologies, providing scientific guidance and reviewing technical materials for the Nutrition team, foundation leadership and strategic partners.
• Strategic Advisory: Contribute to the strategic direction of the Nutrition R&D portfolio, advising the Nutrition Leadership Team on emerging opportunities, scientific developments and investment priorities.
• External Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with universities, research institutions, private sector organisations and NGOs to advance the foundation's R&D agenda and support grantee innovation.
• Innovation Ecosystem Engagement: Represent the foundation in relevant scientific conferences, innovation networks and technical convenings, identifying emerging technologies and opportunities for collaboration in LSFF.
• Evidence Generation and Communication: Synthesise scientific literature, prepare technical briefs and translate complex research findings into actionable recommendations to inform programme strategy and investment decisions.
• Cross‑Foundation Collaboration: Work closely with teams across the foundation, including maternal and newborn health, food systems and country offices, to advance an integrated approach to nutrition and contribute to improved health and developmental outcomes.
• Technical Leadership: Serve as a key technical resource on LSFF technology and product innovation, supporting strategic planning, cross‑team collaboration and evidence‑informed decision‑making across the Nutrition team, GGO Division and broader foundation.

Your Experience

• A master’s degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, preferably in Biochemistry, Food Science and Technology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition or a related field.
• At least 10 years of senior‑level experience in R&D, technology innovation or product development within the life sciences sector, preferably in nutrition.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex R&D and product development portfolios focused on human health, ideally in nutrition science. Private sector product development experience is highly desirable, as is experience working with organisations in LMICs.
• Proven ability to manage diverse stakeholder interests, build strategic partnerships and effectively lead and influence others in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Established scientific and technical credibility, demonstrated through publications, presentations, product development achievements, commercialization or recognised contributions to the field. Strong professional networks across academia, industry, research institutions and NGOs.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate scientific evidence, assess research outcomes and guide R&D initiatives towards measurable impact.
• In‑depth understanding of current nutrition science, particularly its application to LSFF and nutrition challenges in India and LMICs, including Africa.
• Experience across the product lifecycle, including clinical research, product design, sensory, shelf‑life and stability management, manufacturing scale‑up, and regulatory processes for innovations, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and influence decisions within complex, matrixed organisations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to synthesise complex technical information, provide clear strategic recommendations and build consensus among diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with micronutrient assessment and diagnostic technologies, including biomarkers and product testing methodologies, is an advantage.

Other Attributes

• Comfortable in a wide range of cultural, geographic and operational situations, demonstrating culturally sensitive behaviour with a diverse range of people and a deep commitment to development issues and high standards of personal integrity.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time.
• Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.

Application deadline:

14 November 2026

Hiring Requirements

As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Candidate Accommodations

We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates. If you have a disability or medical condition and need an accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process—such as an ASL interpreter, alternative interview format, or physical accessibility support—we’re happy to help. Please contact [e-mail] with the position number and a brief description of your accommodation needs. Requests will be handled confidentially.

Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and cultural workplace that supports ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion — of voices, ideas, and approaches — and we support this diversity through all our employment practices.

All applicants and employees who are drawn to serve our mission will enjoy equality of opportunity and fair treatment without regard to race, color, age, religion, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and prior protected activity.