Research and Development Scientist

About This Role

This role involves developing innovative new products and providing technical support for existing product lines, from concept development through to product launch. You will plan and conduct professional work with moderate independence, contributing to both strategic and tactical innovation projects. You will also collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to ensure product designs meet safety, regulatory, quality, and cost requirements.

Responsibilities

• Deliver innovation and renovation projects on time, within scope and budget
• Manage the food-technical components of assigned development projects
• Prepare and maintain Technical Specifications and related documentation for finished products and raw materials
• Ensure compliance with relevant food standards (e.g., FSANZ), WHS, HACCP, and quality systems
• Design, conduct, document, and report on experiments, product trials, and pilot-plant runs
• Identify opportunities for raw material, process, and product improvement
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting to manufacturing sites and partner companies
• Support factory trials, including occasional work outside standard hours

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Food Technology or related scientific discipline
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an FMCG environment (food industry preferred)
• Strong understanding of food regulations, HACCP, WHS, and food safety requirements
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills
• Experience using NPD tools, statistical software, and Microsoft Office
• A collaborative approach, with excellent communication, documentation, and organisational skills
• A “can-do” attitude, creativity, and willingness to work hands-on in pilot plant or production environments
• A current Australian driver’s licence
• Legal right to work in Australia

Nice to have:

• Forklift licence

Important Details

• Travel: to multiple Sanitarium sites across both Australia and New Zealand

About the Company

Sanitarium is an Australian-owned business that produces Australia’s leading breakfast products, including Up & Go, So Good, Alternative Dairy Co range, and Weet-Bix.