Head of Research And Development

Role Overview: You are applying for the position of Head of R&D at The Bland Company, a food and biotech startup focused on producing cost-efficient, highly functional ingredients through novel biochemical processes. As the Head of R&D, you will be responsible for leading scientific innovation and scaling manufacturing processes, particularly in the development of novel protein ingredients. Key Responsibilities: - Lead R&D efforts in protein chemistry, process optimization, and application science - Translate business objectives into clear technical goals and outcomes - Develop and execute the R&D roadmap, from refining the platform to validating client-facing applications - Identify and assess new scientific methods and technologies to accelerate progress - Manage a team of scientists and application experts, providing mentorship and guidance - Supervise experimental design, data analysis, and documentation - Collaborate with the founding team on IP strategy, regulatory planning, and scientific communication - Support the scale-up and transfer of R&D processes to a manufacturing environment - Coordinate with external partners such as labs, CROs, academic collaborators, and suppliers - Contribute to strategic decisions regarding food categories and use cases based on ingredient performance and customer feedback - Oversee the development and management of a state-of-the-art laboratory Qualifications Required: - PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Food Science, Biotechnology, or related field - 10+ years of industry experience in food ingredient or protein R&D, with a proven track record of leading projects and teams - In-depth knowledge of plant protein structure, functionality, and structure-function relationships - Experience in various protein modification methods (physical, chemical, biological) and purification techniques - Familiarity with food product development cycles and application testing - Strong project management, communication, and mentoring skills - Exposure to ingredient scale-up and technology transfer from lab to pilot/commercial scale - Bonus: Experience with upcycled ingredients and co-product valorization - Bonus: Familiarity with regulatory strategies such as GRAS and EFSA Additional Details: The Bland Company offers a leadership role at the core of a high-impact food biotech startup, where you will lead a world-class scientific team and establish cutting-edge infrastructure from the ground up. You will have access to a global network of advisors and collaborators, along with opportunities for rapid learning, high ownership, and the chance to see your work reflected in market products. Competitive compensation and equity are provided, along with a collaborative and dynamic team environment committed to long-term success.,