Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Professional development

State-of-the-art labs

Paid time off

Company holidays

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks an experienced Product Development Scientist to lead the conception, development, and launch of new FMCG products. You will design experiments, optimize formulations, and scale from lab to pilot plant, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and consumer needs.

The role requires a strong scientific background, 5+ years in product development, and a proven ability to deliver market-ready products in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of product development experience in FMCG.
• Proven ability to formulate and develop new products with understanding of ingredients.
• Experience with lab equipment, analytical techniques, and scale-up.
• Strong problem-solving and ability to work independently or in a team.
• Excellent documentation and reporting, with regulatory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute experiments for FMCG product development, including formulation, testing, and optimization.
• Research raw materials, ingredients, and technologies to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Scale-up lab formulations to pilot plant and commercial production, ensuring feasibility and quality.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing for successful launches.
• Perform stability, efficacy, and safety testing of new and existing products.
• Document research findings and procedures in compliance with GLP and standards.

Skills

Product development

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry/Food Science/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Analytical techniques

Scale-up equipment

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 , 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.

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.