Food Scientist

Description

Summary: Seeking an experienced food science professional to lead product development, production, and regulatory compliance for probiotic soda, focusing on innovative formulations and scalable operations. Highlights: 1. Lead product development and optimization of probiotic soda recipes. 2. Design and implement efficient production and quality control systems. 3. Drive regulatory compliance and certification processes. ##### **Overview** ### **Job descriptions \& requirements** Key Responsibilities **Product Development \& Formulation** * Develop and optimize probiotic soda recipes achieving target CFU counts (1 billion\+ per serving) with 6\+ month ambient shelf stability * Source and evaluate probiotic cultures, sweeteners, and flavoring ingredients from local and regional supplier * Create product specifications balancing taste profile, health efficacy, production feasibility, and cost targets * Design and execute sensory testing protocols for consumer validation **Production \& Quality Systems** * Design a production process that allows for efficient production from day 1 and scales with the needs of the company * Design quality control procedures including microbial testing, CFU verification, and shelf\-life validation * Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all production processes * Implement HACCP framework and prepare facility for KEBS certification **Regulatory \& Compliance** * Lead KEBS product \& production certification process including documentation, testing, and facility inspection preparation * Navigate regulatory requirements for health claims and probiotic labeling * Maintain compliance records and prepare for periodic regulatory audits **Scale\-Up \& Operations** * Specify equipment requirements for Phase 1 production (500,000L annual capacity) * Evaluate and recommend co\-packing partnerships as alternative or complement to owned production * Develop tech transfer documentation for production scaling RequirementsRequired * Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field * 5\+ years experience in food/beverage product development * Prior experience in beverage manufacturing at commercial scale * Hands\-on experience with live cultures, probiotics, or fermented beverages (kombucha, kefir, yogurt, or similar) * Experience developing and implementing HACCP or similar food safety systems * Strong analytical skills and comfort with laboratory testing procedures Preferred * Master's degree in Food Science or related discipline * Experience with carbonation and bottling processes * Existing relationships with ingredient suppliers, testing laboratories, or regulatory consultants * Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity in startup environments ##### **Job Nature** Full Time ##### **Job Location** Doha ##### **Job Level** Sr. Position