R&D Executive (Material & Product Development)

Kick-start your R&D career in a unique opportunity that combines cutting-edge material science, hands-on laboratory research, and the development of next-generation food products. You’ll investigate the science behind food ingredients and seasonings, turning scientific discoveries into real-world applications through factory trials and exciting new product launches.

What makes this opportunity truly special? This role is part of a dedicated programme that offers you the opportunity to pursue a Master’s by Research while gaining hands-on industry experience, with tuition fees expected to be covered by the programme. You’ll undertake a research project in collaboration with a university and the hiring company, allowing you to deepen your scientific expertise while applying your learning to meaningful, real-world R&D challenges.

Based at our R&D facility in Science Park, this is an exciting opportunity for a fresh graduate or early-career scientist to accelerate their professional development, advance their academic qualifications, and make a tangible impact on food innovation… all at the same time!

Summary

• The key design of the role is to lead applied scientific research in material science (70%) while supporting deployment of new food product launches (30%)
• The role will bridge fundamental research and commercial application by defining physical/chemical specifications of raw materials (seasoning) and finished products, partnering with research institutes and external agencies, and conducting laboratory and plant trials
• Based at our R&D facility in Science Park, this position requires seamless collaboration with external research partners, universities, and suppliers, as well as cross-functional internal teams (Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, and Project Management). Travel is also required for plant trials and partner collaboration

A Taste of What You’ll Be Doing

70% — Material Science & Scientific Research

• Material Science & Characterization: Lead scientific research to understand the functional, structural, and physical-chemical properties of food materials and ingredients of seasoning; establish precise technical specifications for new materials and finished products
• External Research Collaboration: Serve as the primary technical liaison with research institutes, universities, and government/industry agencies to co-develop, benchmark, and evaluate novel material technologies
• Front-End Innovation & Analytical Study: Design and execute advanced lab experiments, physical/chemical analytical testing, and structure-function mapping to drive sustainable and next-generation ingredient innovation
• Documentation & IP Compliance: Maintain accurate research records, draft technical white papers/specifications, and ensure full compliance with laboratory standards and intellectual property guidelines

30% — Product Development & Commercialization

• Plant Trials & Scaling: Translate laboratory research into commercial realities by leading plant trials, preparing change management documentation, executing on-site factory trials, and establishing plant SOPs
• Supplier & Specification Alignment: Work with ingredient and seasoning suppliers against technical briefs, develop product scorecards, and align specs with cross-functional teams
• Quality & Value Engineering: Support product shelf-life studies, Nutritional Information Panel (NIP) evaluations, value engineering projects, and root-cause quality troubleshooting
• Operational & Logistical Support: Represent R&D in cross-functional project meetings independently

We’re Looking for Someone With

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Material Science, Food Structure/Physics, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field
• Experience: Ideally 1–2 years' experience (also accepting fresh graduates) in an R&D laboratory or research environment, with demonstrated exposure to material characterization or scientific research
• Competencies: Strong technical curiosity, analytical data modeling skills, and hands-on comfort with both laboratory instruments and pilot-scale/factory equipment