Head of Research & Development

Job Summary

The Head of Research & Development will play a pivotal role in establishing a product line focused on postnatal care, which includes supplements, baby skincare, and diapers. The incumbent will lead efforts to develop evidence-based products that address the specific needs of mothers and their babies during the postnatal period, ensuring that care provided is backed by scientific research rather than trends.

Responsibilities

• Product Formulation: Lead the formulation and development of a range of postnatal products, including supplements and microbiome baby skincare.
• Contract Manufacturing Management: Select and manage contract manufacturing partners (CDMOs) ensuring quality, compliance, and timely delivery for each product category.
• Ingredient Sourcing Strategy: Own the strategy for ingredient sourcing, including evidence-based selection and supplier vetting to ensure supply chain resilience.
• Clinical Evidence Maintenance: Build and maintain a clinical evidence file for each product, ensuring all claims are defensible and scientifically validated.
• Regulatory & Compliance Navigation: Navigate FSSAI regulations for all product categories and manage necessary certifications such as ECOCERT, GMP, and WHO-GMP.
• Research & Development Partnerships: Build relationships with institutions for R&D, including clinical trial partnerships that can support product evidence.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Food Science, Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics, or a related domain.
• Experience: 8-15 years of R&D or formulation experience across nutraceuticals, cosmetics, or food, with hands-on experience taking products from concept to market.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of FSSAI regulations across at least two of the following categories: supplements, cosmetics, and infant food.
• Clinical Research Affinity: Experience working with or commissioning clinical research, including trials and literature reviews.
• Scientific Curiosity: Strong interest in ongoing research and the ability to bring new evidence into the organization proactively.

Preferred Skills

• Formulation experience in maternal health, postnatal nutrition, infant skincare, or pediatric products.
• Established relationships with quality CDMOs in India (e.g., Akums, SevenQ, Krauter, Pristine Organics).
• Experience integrating Ayurvedic ingredients into evidence-based formulations (e.g., shatavari, ashwagandha, centella asiatica).
• Research or clinical background, with the ability to critically assess scientific literature.

Experience

8-15 years of relevant experience in research and development, formulation, and product launch across nutraceuticals, cosmetics, or food categories.

Environment

The role is full-time and based in Mumbai, Bangalore, or Delhi-NCR, with potential travel to manufacturing partners. The work environment is dynamic, requiring flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in a startup venture.

Salary

Not specified

Growth Opportunities

Not specified

Benefits

Not specified