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.