Exciting opportunity for R&D Associate Scientist in Dubai to lead technical aspects and implementation of medium to high complexity R&D enabled productivity and sustainability projects for Grains Platform, developing products against consumer and business KPIs, coordinating NPD initiatives, and driving innovation leveraging experimental design, data interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Important Application Note
There is an internal slated candidate being considered for this position. However, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
Position Overview
The R&D Associate Scientist will lead the technical aspects and implementation of medium to high complexity R&D enabled productivity and sustainability projects for the Grains Platform. This role combines product development, process innovation, consumer insights, and technical leadership to deliver superior products to market while supporting Middle East Foods Business Unit’s productivity and innovation agendas.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As R&D Associate Scientist in Dubai, you drive product innovation for grains platform serving Middle East markets, lead NPD from concept to commercialization, leverage cutting-edge R&D tools and methodologies, collaborate across functions advancing business growth, and contribute to sustainability initiatives shaping future of food.
Key Responsibilities
As R&D Associate Scientist in Dubai, your responsibilities include:
Product & Process Development
- Leverage expertise inside and outside organization to deliver product and process development and innovation
- Develop, plan, conduct, and coordinate product development initiatives using experimental design
- Use data interpretation tools to make technically sound recommendations to business
- Develop products against consumer and business KPIs leveraging R&D laboratory tools, bench top equipment, factory equipment, pilot plants, and supplier technical assets
Technical Project Leadership
- Engage with Middle East Foods Business Unit Global Procurement & Supply Chain to support and manage technical aspects of productivity agendas for Grains Portfolio
- Lead Technical Stage Gate and related work for projects ensuring timely completion of all TSG stages and deliverables
- Develop project briefs and Global Innovation Briefs (GIB) seeking R&D and cross-functional alignment with Marketing and Supply Chain
Sample Coordination & Testing
- Coordinate sample requirements with manufacturing plants, global R&D function for NPD, internal screening, bench taste, sensory test, consumer test, shelf life stability, sales samples, scale-up trials, and other needs
- Develop understanding and demonstrate application of consumer product testing including sensory and analytical testing to deliver superior products to market
- Establish product intelligence actively participating in marketing research programs including focus groups and consumer research formats
Financial & Specification Development
- Develop and review FC (Financial Case) and business P&L
- Finalize product and ingredient specifications with PQP (Product Quality Plan) guardrails
Innovation & Technology Exploration
- Lead exploration of new ingredients, formulation and process technologies
- Leverage expertise inside and outside organization to deliver new product and process development
- Plan, organize and run raw material qualification programs
- Drive global knowledge growth and thought leadership in emerging process technologies
- Embed cross-functionally throughout organization
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Represent R&D on multi-functional business teams
- Influence others through strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Drive CAST (likely Cost And Savings Tracker) implementation through leadership of training programs
- Work closely with Regulatory to ensure legal compliance
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this R&D associate scientist position must possess:
Educational Requirements
- Graduation degree in Food Science
- OR Food Engineering
- OR Chemical Engineering
- OR Industrial Engineering
- OR Food & Nutrition
- OR Pharmaceutical Science
- Food Science or Engineering related discipline essential
Experience Requirements
- Must have FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) experience of more than 3 years
- Product development or R&D experience in food industry
Technical & Business Knowledge
- Good understanding and appreciation of broader business environment
- Application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution
- Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex data and distill into useful and actionable information
- Ability to explain complex technical issues and solutions to non-technical audience
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate and negotiate effectively across all levels and functions
- Good presentation skills (written and verbal)
- Cultural sensitivity and flexibility in responding to diverse teams and environments
Professional Attributes
- Strives for high standards seeking innovative solutions
- Drives continuous improvement of products, processes or methods
- Demonstrates high degree of intellectual curiosity
- Passion for creativity and innovation within commercially driven environment
- Self-starter and motivator
Who Should Apply?
This food science R&D role in Dubai is ideal for:
- Food Scientists: With 3+ years FMCG product development experience
- Food Engineers: Passionate about innovation and NPD
- R&D Scientists: From grains, cereals, or baked goods sectors
- Product Development Specialists: With technical stage gate experience
- Innovation Scientists: Focused on sustainability and productivity
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