Ingredient Research Scientist

**Role Summary**:
MostEdge is revolutionizing the retail industry with a cutting-edge analytics platform designed to prioritize customer needs and shape the future of retail. From advanced POS systems and self-service kiosks to surveillance, loyalty solutions, and next-level consumer engagement tools, MostEdge empowers businesses to transform every customer interaction into a profitable opportunity. By seamlessly integrating retail management processes, optimizing supply chains, and ensuring stock availability for in-demand products, MostEdge enables businesses to grow efficiently while eliminating time-consuming administrative tasks. As one of the only company offering 24/7 c-store operations, shrink management, audits, and reconciliation services, MostEdge ensures that every transaction is secure, accurate, and optimized for success. Beyond technology, MostEdge’s learning academy nurtures employees and owners into tomorrow’s retail leaders, fostering innovation and growth across the industry. By partnering with retailers, distributors, and manufacturers, MostEdge is not just enhancing retail operations—it’s empowering businesses to thrive sustainably, profitably, and confidently in an ever-evolving market.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Ingredient Discovery & Evaluation**
- Research and compile a library of functional ingredients relevant to product categories: energy enhancers (e.g., caffeine, taurine), adaptogens, nootropics, electrolytes, plant-based and dairy proteins, sweeteners, stabilizers, and preservatives.
- Analyze the nutritional profiles, bioavailability, health benefits, and contraindications of each ingredient.
- Evaluate ingredient synergies and potential interactions when combined in complex formulations.

**Scientific Validation & Documentation**
- Perform detailed literature reviews and meta-analyses of peer-reviewed studies on ingredient efficacy.
- Prepare scientific dossiers for internal product development and regulatory filings.
- Create ingredient specification sheets including sensory, physical, and functional properties.

**Supplier Engagement & Quality Benchmarking**
- Identify and screen domestic and international suppliers for quality, reliability, pricing, and compliance.
- Collaborate with sourcing/procurement teams to evaluate samples, certificates of analysis (CoA), and quality documentation.
- Conduct sensory analysis and lab-scale testing to benchmark ingredient performance.

**Regulatory & Safety Compliance**
- Ensure ingredient selections comply with FSSAI, Codex Alimentarius, and international regulations for food safety and labeling.
- Maintain documentation on permissible usage limits, allergen risks, and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status.
- Stay up to date on changes to ingredient regulations in India and target export markets (e.g., FDA for US, EFSA for EU).

**Cross-Functional Collaboration**
- Collaborate with formulation scientists, product developers, and legal teams to guide ingredient selection and claims substantiation.
- Provide technical support to QA/QC, regulatory, and marketing teams on ingredient functionalities and health claims.
- Contribute to ideation sessions for new product development based on emerging ingredient trends.

**Required Qualifications**:

- M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Nutrition, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in ingredient R&D, preferably in the functional foods, nutraceuticals, or beverage industry.
- Proven expertise in scientific evaluation of food ingredients and nutrition-related bioactives.
- Strong understanding of FSSAI, Codex, GRAS, and other regulatory frameworks.
- Familiarity with functional ingredient databases and analytical tools (e.g., Mintel GNPD, PubChem, Scifinder, EFSA Compendium).
- Strong research, technical writing, and data analysis skills.

**Preferred Skills & Attributes**:

- Experience in sourcing and working with international ingredient suppliers.
- Knowledge of trends in plant-based nutrition, nootropics, and clean-label formulations.
- Exceptional attention to detail and scientific rigor.
- Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable insights for cross-functional teams.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

**Benefits**:

- Opportunity to work on high-impact, innovative food products.
- Dynamic, fast-paced start-up culture with cross-border team collaboration.
- Professional development budget for certifications, conferences, or courses.
- Competitive salary and performance-linked incentives.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹396,725.43 - ₹1,272,331.06 per year

**Benefits**:

- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Provident Fund