R&D Lead

R&D lead Location: Oxfordshire Key Skills: Significant experience in development of Plant-based food ingredients. Prior commercial experience in a R&D leadership role. Role overview: This is an exciting opportunity to build and lead the R&D capabilities in a newly established and fully funded food-tech start-up, working on developing a versatile range of sustainable functional food ingredients from a grain called amaranth. Job Overview: * Develop a detailed R&D strategy to create an innovative protein/starch extraction process and develop a range of functional food ingredients * Validate the R&D lab layout and design the workflow (incl. equipment) * Hire the R&D team (amend existing job descriptions, leverage own and external networks to scout for candidates, interview, onboard successful applicants) * Manage the process and ingredient development * Work with external partners and laboratories to conduct experiments and analytical tests * Develop a pipeline of research projects to be done with academic institutions in the UK * Overall: lead, strategize, plan, organize, communicate internally and externally. * Accountable for daily decision making in the lab Capability requirements: * PhD in a related field * 10+ years of experience in developing & commercializing food ingredients * Experience in grain processing or plant-based protein extraction is preferred * Experience in launching an R&D facility and assembling a team is preferred * Deep knowledge of food and food industry (ingredients and Consumer Packaged Goods) * Creative proactive entrepreneurial approach to work * Strong business acumen, leadership, planning, strategy, communication Package: Our client offers a permanent position with a starting salary of £70,000-£80,000 (depending on experience). This is an opportunity to join the company at start-up phase with significant career development as the company growth