Research Associate

To lead and support product development initiatives by creating innovative and customer-focused solutions in the field of oleoresins and food ingredients. This role will contribute to new product development, technical support, and cross-functional collaboration to drive business value and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new products based on target samples or customer specifications.
  
• Drive modifications and innovations in production processes.
  
• Provide technical support and communicate effectively with customers and the marketing team.
  
• Prepare detailed product specifications and generate new material codes.
  
• Conduct literature surveys to explore and propose new product ideas.
  
• Perform application trials for both new and existing products.
  
• Participate in trade exhibitions and customer visits to present technical capabilities.
  
• Prepare promotional materials, technical data sheets (TDS), and material safety data sheets (MSDS).
  
• Conduct sensory evaluations of target samples and new product prototypes.
  
• Coordinate with production teams for the initial batches of newly commercialized products.
  
• Supervise and manage pilot plant trials.
  
• Maintain regular updates on the project management portal.
  
• Collaborate with Quality Control for documentation related to new products.
  
• Train customers, marketing staff, and new employees on product applications.
  
• Maintain and manage key and target sample inventories.
  
• Oversee daily laboratory operations and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.
  

Performance Measures

• Business value generated through technical support
  
• Percentage of sample approvals.
  
• Volume and value of new product introductions
  
• Number of new concepts and innovations implemented.
  
• Customer satisfaction ratings.
  
• Compliance with Technical New Introduction (TNI) processes and guidelines.
  

Skills Required

The ideal candidate should be able to visualize potential combinations of oleoresins to meet specific customer expectations. They must have advanced proficiency in blending techniques to ensure product homogeneity and be capable of analyzing products using various instruments to identify active components. A strong command of preparing technical and safety documentation (TDS and MSDS) is also required. In addition, the candidate should demonstrate abilities in people development and teamwork.

Knowledge Required

Candidates must have a sound understanding of the product portfolio and customer preferences. They should possess in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of the products, including suitable instruments used for compositional analysis. Familiarity with excipients, emulsifiers, extraction technology, and global food safety regulations is essential. Keeping abreast of the latest trends in the food industry is also expected.

Personal Attributes

The role demands excellent communication skills, a proactive attitude, a strong focus on quality, and a high sense of urgency. Initiative and the ability to work effectively under pressure are critical to success in this position.