Product Development Scientist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Laboratory facilities

Professional development

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Scientist to join our client’s R&D team in Nelspruit. You will conceptualize, formulate, and scale up new FMCG products from bench-scale to pilot plant.

You will work with marketing, operations, and quality assurance to translate consumer insights into concepts, optimize formulations, ensure stability and safety, and document procedures in a fast-paced lab. This role offers access to state-of-the-art labs and opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related scientific discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in product development within the FMCG industry (food, beverage, personal care, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of formulation science, ingredient functionality, and product manufacturing processes.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, analytical techniques, and experimental design.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, formulate, and develop new FMCG products from bench-scale to pilot plant, ensuring feasibility and scalability.
• Conduct extensive laboratory experiments, including ingredient screening, formulation optimization, and sensory evaluation.
• Perform product stability testing, shelf-life studies, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with marketing to translate consumer insights and market needs into innovative product concepts.
• Work closely with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure smooth product scale-up and commercialization.
• Document all research findings, experimental procedures, and product specifications meticulously.

Skills

Formulation science

Ingredient functionality

Product manufacturing processes

Laboratory equipment

Analytical techniques

Experimental design

Team collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in related discipline

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Analytical instruments

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and meticulous Product Development Scientist to join their research and development team in Nelspruit , focusing on new product innovation within the FMCG sector . This role is crucial for conceptualizing, formulating, and scaling up new products that meet consumer needs and market trends. You will conduct laboratory work, optimize formulations, ensure product stability and safety, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and quality assurance, to bring new products to market successfully. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the cutting edge of FMCG product innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, formulate, and develop new FMCG products from bench-scale to pilot plant, ensuring feasibility and scalability.
• Conduct extensive laboratory experiments, including ingredient screening, formulation optimization, and sensory evaluation.
• Perform product stability testing, shelf-life studies, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with marketing to translate consumer insights and market needs into innovative product concepts.
• Work closely with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure smooth product scale-up and commercialization.
• Document all research findings, experimental procedures, and product specifications meticulously.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in product development, specifically within the FMCG industry (food, beverage, personal care, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of formulation science, ingredient functionality, and product manufacturing processes.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, analytical techniques, and experimental design.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate technical information clearly.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• A creative and collaborative work environment in our Nelspruit facility.