Based at the Musselburgh campus, the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation (SCFDI ) has a vacancy for a food product developer to carry out product development projects, ideally qualified to degree standard in a food science related subject, although applications will be considered from those with relevant industry experience.
This post offers an opportunity for you to become part of our highly regarded team which has recently garnered global interest in our palm shortening replacer, PalmAlt. The team carries out a variety of projects, and this interesting role will predominantly involve undertaking projects in products from across the wider food and drink sector. Full training is available due to the variety of food and drink projects involved and you will benefit from the wide expertise from across the team. Many of the projects will involve working with Scotland's food and drink SMEs to assist them reaching their product goals. In addition, the team delivers the Thrive training programme for budding food and drink entrepreneurs each year, and the successful candidate will assist in this initiative.
You should have a positive outlook and be able to demonstrate excellent organisational skills that will enable you to work collaboratively with clients and colleagues. Great attention to detail is essential for this role, as is the ability to seek out solutions to meet client requirements. Culinary experience would be a distinct advantage, as would a genuine interest in food and food science. Applications are particularly welcome from those with previous food industry experience (from a product development, quality, or technical role).
The Scottish Centre for Food Development & Innovation is based at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. We work with food and drink companies across the UK and beyond in projects covering new product development, reformulation and nutrition. In addition, we provide a sensory and consumer testing service in our purpose-built sensory analysis suite using our own 600+ strong consumer panel.
A current UK driver's licence in addition to own transport is essential, for which travel expenses will be paid.
Your application should include details on how you meet the role criteria, and what your skills and experience will bring to the role.
For an informal discussion on this role, please contact Catriona Liddle ( ),
The closing date for this position is 23.59 on Wednesday 12th February 2025.
Interviews are scheduled for Friday 21st February 2025.
Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a high volume of applications.
Should you wish to apply for the vacancy please visit our download the job description and complete an application online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process or require special assistance, please contact Human Resources by email at
This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Therefore, we cannot progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK.
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