A leading global FMCG organization is seeking a talented and driven R&D Associate Scientist to join its Research and Development team in Dubai, UAE. This exciting role leads the technical aspects and implementation of medium to high complexity R&D-enabled productivity and sustainability projects for the Grains Platform. If you are passionate about food science innovation, product development, and driving real change in the Middle East food industry — this is the career-defining opportunity you have been looking for.
Role Scope — Grains Platform, Middle East Foods Business Unit
Platform Focus: Grains Portfolio — productivity and sustainability-led R&D innovation projects
Business Unit: Middle East Foods Business Unit — Global Procurement & Supply Chain engagement
Project Complexity: Medium to high complexity R&D product and process development initiatives
Cross-Functional: Works with Marketing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Manufacturing, and Global R&D teams
Dubai, UAE — FMCG R&D Innovation Hub
Strategic Location: Dubai — the Middle East’s premier FMCG and food innovation center
Global Exposure: Collaboration with global R&D functions, suppliers, pilot plants, and factory sites
Consumer Research: Active participation in consumer testing, sensory panels, and focus groups across the region
Career Growth: Fast-track career development within a globally recognized FMCG organization
Position Overview
The R&D Associate Scientist in Dubai plays a pivotal technical leadership role within the Grains Platform, driving product and process innovation from ideation through to commercial scale-up. You will leverage cutting-edge experimental design tools, collaborate across global and regional R&D teams, engage with the Middle East Foods Business Unit’s procurement and supply chain functions, and ensure that every new product developed meets both consumer expectations and business performance KPIs. This role demands both scientific depth and strong commercial awareness — the ability to translate complex technical insight into real business value is essential.
Why This Role Matters: As an R&D Associate Scientist on the Grains Platform in Dubai, you lead innovation that shapes what millions of consumers across the Middle East eat every day — developing better, more sustainable grain-based products that meet evolving health, taste, and performance standards, while building your scientific career at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic FMCG markets.
Roles & Responsibilities
Product & Process Development
- Leverage expertise inside and outside the organization to deliver product and process development and innovation at medium to high complexity levels
- Develop, plan, conduct, and coordinate product development initiatives using experimental design and data interpretation tools to make technically sound business recommendations
- Lead exploration of new ingredients, formulation approaches, and process technologies — drawing on both internal and external expertise to deliver truly innovative solutions
- Develop products against consumer and business KPIs using R&D laboratory tools, bench-top equipment, factory assets, pilot plants, and supplier technical resources
Supply Chain & Business Engagement
- Engage with the Middle East Foods Business Unit Global Procurement and Supply Chain teams to support and manage the technical aspects of productivity agendas within the Grains Portfolio
- Coordinate sample requirements with manufacturing plants and global R&D functions for NPD, internal screening, bench taste, sensory testing, consumer testing, shelf life stability, sales samples, scale-up trials, and all other project needs
- Develop and review financial cases, business P&L projections, and finalize product and ingredient specifications within PQP guardrails
- Plan, organize, and run structured raw material qualification programs
Innovation, Consumer & Sensory Science
- Develop understanding and demonstrate application of consumer product testing — including sensory and analytical methods — to deliver superior products and build robust product intelligence
- Actively participate in marketing research programs including consumer focus groups and other research formats to embed consumer insight into product development
- Drive global knowledge growth and thought leadership in emerging process technologies, embedding new capabilities cross-functionally across the organization
Project Management & Stage Gate Leadership
- Lead Technical Stage Gate (TSG) reviews and related work for all assigned projects — ensuring timely completion of all TSG stages and full delivery of required outputs
- Develop project briefs and Global Innovation Briefs (GIB), securing R&D and cross-functional alignment across Marketing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and other key stakeholders
- Represent R&D on multi-functional business teams, influencing decision-making through strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Drive CAST implementation through leadership of internal training programs and capability building initiatives
Regulatory & Compliance
- Work closely with the Regulatory team to ensure all products, ingredients, and processes remain fully legally compliant throughout development and commercialization
- Ensure all product specifications, formulations, and claims meet applicable UAE and regional food regulations
Desired Candidate Profile
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Food & Nutrition, or Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Postgraduate qualifications in a food science or related discipline are an additional advantage
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of FMCG industry experience — this is a firm requirement for the role
- Proven track record in food science, product development, or engineering disciplines within an FMCG environment
- Strong understanding and appreciation of the broader FMCG business environment and the ability to apply technical and commercial knowledge effectively during project execution
Who Should Apply?
- Food Scientists & Technologists: With 3+ years of FMCG product development experience and a passion for grain-based food innovation
- Chemical & Food Engineers: With hands-on experience in process development, formulation, and scale-up within food manufacturing
- R&D Product Developers: Experienced in NPD, sensory science, consumer testing, and stage gate project management in an FMCG setting
- Middle East FMCG Professionals: With regional supply chain or procurement experience looking to transition into an R&D-led innovation role
- Ambitious Science Graduates: With 3+ years of FMCG R&D experience and a strong drive to lead technical innovation at a global scale
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