Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Professional development opportunities

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Product Development Scientist to join its R&D team in Pretoria. You will conceptualize, develop, and launch new FMCG products from ideation to commercialization, ensuring consumer needs and regulatory compliance are met.

The role requires a strong scientific background, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Collaboration with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams is essential for successful launches.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development, preferably in the FMCG industry.
• Proven ability to formulate and develop new products, with a strong understanding of ingredient functionality and processing techniques.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, analytical techniques, and scale-up processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent documentation and reporting skills, with knowledge of regulatory requirements relevant to consumer products.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute experiments for the development of new FMCG products, including formulation, testing, and optimization.
• Conduct detailed research into raw materials, ingredients, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Scale-up laboratory formulations to pilot plant and commercial production, ensuring process feasibility and quality.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Perform stability, efficacy, and safety testing of new and existing products.
• Document all research findings, experimental procedures, and results in compliance with industry standards and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

Skills

Project management

Creativity

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry / Food Science / Chemical Engineering

PhD (preferred)

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Scale-up processes

Analytical techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an innovative and experienced Product Development Scientist to join their dedicated research and development team in Pretoria , focusing on new product innovation within the FMCG sector. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and launching new products from ideation through to commercialization, ensuring they meet consumer needs and regulatory standards. This role requires a strong scientific background, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Join us in Pretoria to contribute to the creation of cutting-edge consumer goods.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute experiments for the development of new FMCG products , including formulation, testing, and optimization.
• Conduct detailed research into raw materials, ingredients, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Scale-up laboratory formulations to pilot plant and commercial production, ensuring process feasibility and quality.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Perform stability, efficacy, and safety testing of new and existing products.
• Document all research findings, experimental procedures, and results in compliance with industry standards and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) .

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development , preferable in the FMCG industry.
• Proven ability to formulate and develop new products, with a strong understanding of ingredient functionality and processing techniques.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, analytical techniques, and scale-up processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent documentation and reporting skills, with knowledge of regulatory requirements relevant to consumer products.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development in product innovation.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Pretoria .
• Stimulating work environment focused on scientific discovery and commercial success.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.