Product Developer (Fermentation & Functional Ingredients)

FermentationProduct Development
Written By Andrew Bonnar

  • Location: Harpenden, Hertfordshire (Rothamsted Research)

  • Type: Full-time (Initial 6-month fixed-term contract, with strong potential to extend)

  • Salary: £45,000–£50,000 FTE, pro rata for contract period

  • Application deadline: 11am, 25th May 2026.

About the job

Oshun Labs are an early-stage company developing functional nutrition products for women’s health, focused on improving nutrient bioavailability and unlocking the potential of seaweed (marine algae) and plant-based ingredients.

They are now building their first in-house R&D capability and looking for someone to play a key role in developing new products from concept through to early pilot scale, working closely with external partners, analytical labs, and technical experts.

Their work combines:

  • Fermentation

  • Functional nutrition

  • Food and beverage product development

The Role

Oshun Labs are looking for a Product Developer (Fermentation & Functional Ingredients) to take ownership of day-to-day R&D and product development activities.

This is a practical, self-directed role in a small team. You will design and run experiments, develop product concepts, and help translate scientific work into commercially viable food and beverage products across a range of formats and applications. This role involves hands-on food product development and formulation, from early experimentation through to practical product applications.

You will be the primary technical lead in the lab, working closely with the founder and external collaborators. You will also play a key role in shaping how products and processes are developed as the company grows.

This role will suit someone who enjoys working in an early-stage environment and taking ownership from the outset. The initial focus of the role will be on early-stage experimentation and development, with some involvement in small-scale pilot trials.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and run bench-scale experiments to support product and process development

  • Work with plant-based materials and fermentation systems

  • Explore how different approaches influence:

    • Nutritional characteristics

    • Functional performance

    • Sensory profile

  • Translate experimental findings into practical product formats and applications (e.g. powders, beverages, ingredient systems)

  • Consider end-use performance and consumer outcomes when designing and evaluating experiments

  • Coordinate external analytical testing and interpret results

  • Collaborate with external partners, advisors, and facilities

  • Maintain clear experimental records and support safe lab operations

  • Support early-stage translation of lab work into small-scale pilot trials, working with external partners where appropriate

  • Engage with external partners, suppliers, and facilities as development progresses

Required Experience

  • Background in Food Science, Fermentation Science, or a related field

  • Relevant experience in industry or applied R&D (typically 3–5 years), with hands-on involvement in food or beverage product development, ideally including experience supporting products through pilot or launch stages

  • Able to design and run experiments independently, including planning, execution, and interpretation

Skills and Approach

  • Hands-on experience with fermentation or related processes

  • Able to connect process decisions to product outcomes

  • Practical and adaptable, comfortable working in an early-stage, hands-on environment

  • Curious, proactive, and able to take ownership

  • Collaborative, with experience working with external partners or cross-functional teams

  • Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple experiments and workstreams

What This Role Offers

  • High level of ownership and autonomy in R&D

  • Opportunity to develop novel functional products for women’s health

  • Exposure to a wide range of processes and applications

  • Collaborative environment within a leading research setting at Rothamsted Research

  • Clear pathway to a permanent role for the right candidate

Additional Information

  • Based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire (good access to London and Cambridge)

  • On-site role, with some flexibility depending on work requirements

  • Initial focus will be on early-stage development, with scope to expand into pilot and scale-up activities as the company grows

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the application form, and upload a CV and cover letter using the button below.

In your cover note, please briefly explain how your experience relates to this role, and include a brief example of a product, process, or experiment you have worked on, including your specific role and what you learned (no confidential or proprietary details required).

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Andrew Bonnar
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