R&D Specialist – Dairy & Juice IndustryJob

This position is based in Iraq. Please apply only if you are willing to relocate to Iraq.

Salary range: $2500 - $3000

Job Purpose:

To lead and support innovation, process optimization, and continuous improvement in the development of dairy and juice products, ensuring alignment with market trends, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. New Product Development

• Product Formulation: Develops and customizes innovative formulations for milk, fermented dairy, juices, and functional beverages aligned with market trends (e.g., health-conscious, clean label, fortified products).
• Pilot Trials & Scaling: Designs and executes laboratory and pilot-scale trials to optimize recipes for flavour, texture, nutritional profile, and shelf life prior to full-scale production.

2. Process Optimization

• Enhances production processes for efficiency, cost reduction, and product consistency.
• Evaluates and implements advanced processing technologies such as UHT, pasteurization, homogenization, fortification, and aseptic packaging solutions.

3. Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensures product compliance with national and international standards (e.g., Iraqi Food Safety Standards, Codex Alimentarius).
• Collaborates with QA/QC teams to define quality specifications and resolve product deviations or non-conformities.

4. Ingredient & Supplier Management

• Sources, tests, and qualifies raw materials, cultures, enzymes, and additives for functional and sensory performance.
• Conducts technical assessments of potential suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and alignment with innovation goals.

5. Market & Consumer Insights Integration

• Analysis consumer feedback and market trends to refine products or adapt existing offerings.
• Supports marketing teams with technical insights for product positioning and claims.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partners with production, quality, marketing, supply chain, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless product launches and effective scale-up.
• Participates in cross-departmental innovation projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

7. Continuous Improvement & Documentation

• Drives ongoing improvements in product yield, sustainability, shelf life, and cost-effectiveness through process and ingredient innovation.
• Maintains thorough documentation of formulations, trials, procedures, and change controls in accordance with ISO standards and internal policies.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, or related field; master's preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in R&D within the dairy and/juice industry.
• Strong knowledge of food processing technologies and ingredient functionalities.
• Familiarity with regulatory and labelling standards in Iraq and international markets.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and project management skills.
• Team player with strong communication and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.