Liquid R&D Scientist

About the Role

The Liquid R&D Scientist will play a pivotal role in supporting new product development across Analytical, Liquid Formulation, Regulatory, Process Engineering, and Sensory disciplines. This position is responsible for spearheading new product initiatives in flavoured spirits, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, and other alcoholic products targeted at the Asia Pacific market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of new consumer-preferred formulations and develop pioneering technologies and processing methods.
• Apply advanced analytical and sensory techniques, as well as consumer validation, to drive product innovation.
• Serve as a technical expert in specific skill areas and represent R&D in cross-functional teams.
• Develop formulations aligned with innovation pipeline briefs and timelines.
• Generate innovative product concepts contributing to the innovation pipeline.
• Manage end-to-end technical project delivery, including process development and commercialization.
• Provide technical input for early project scoping, business case development, and stage-gate documentation.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through value engineering and reformulation.
• Collaborate regularly with suppliers, flavour houses, and external agencies to deliver projects on time.
• Engage internal and external partners to identify trends and develop winning product innovations.
• Partner with technology vendors, research institutes, and universities to deliver groundbreaking innovations.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities to oversee production of new or reformulated products as needed.
• Work effectively within a global environment across supply chain, production, marketing, and sales functions.
• Maintain detailed experimental documentation and control formulation, test methods, and validation protocols.
• Design and implement scientific experiments leveraging existing and emerging technologies.
• Conduct shelf-life testing to ensure product safety.
• Develop laboratory capabilities for future innovations and strategic business objectives.
• Ensure all ingredients, formulations, and label declarations comply with regulatory standards.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with regional and global colleagues to promote knowledge sharing.
• Manage expenses and budget effectively.
• Stay current on new technologies and share insights with the team and management.
• Adapt and implement global processes and systems.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Alcohol Technology, or related scientific field.
• Basic knowledge of food and beverage regulations.
• Minimum two years of relevant experience in new product development.
• Practical understanding of the New Product Development (NPD) stage-gate process.
• Experience in experimental design, measurement, and data interpretation for product development.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Proficient in preparing scientific and technical reports.
• Keen awareness of evolving consumer trends and preferences.
• Fluency in English.
• Ability to work well within a team environment.
• Willingness to travel 20–30% of the time.
• Knowledge or experience in the spirits industry is advantageous.
• Familiarity with good laboratory practices and procedures.
• Commitment to safety protocols and practices.
• Strong foundation in natural and food sciences.
• Self-motivated, autonomous, detail-oriented with excellent multitasking ability.
• Excellent organizational and follow-up skills.
• Strong analytical abilities.
• Experience or hands-on knowledge of GC, GC-MS, HPLC, spectrophotometry, and sensory analysis techniques preferred.

Leadership and Personal Attributes

• Ability to foster a culture of belonging where all individuals are valued and supported.
• Self-awareness and reflection on personal strengths, weaknesses, and impact on others.
• People agility to understand and manage relationships and navigate complex situations for collective success.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver consistent results and inspire confidence in a team setting.
• Critical and strategic thinking while maintaining focus on execution and creativity in problem-solving.
• Adaptability and growth mindset with a strong curiosity and willingness to learn from experiences and experimentation.

Diversity and Inclusion

The company seeks diverse talent and promotes an environment where all employees are treated fairly and without discrimination based on national origin, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Generous paid time off including holidays, volunteer days, and other leave benefits.
• Retirement and pension plans.
• Comprehensive medical, critical illness, and life insurance coverage.
• Employee assistance programs supporting wellbeing.
• Family-friendly and inclusive leave policies.
• Additional region- and role-specific benefits and incentive plans.

Additional Information

This recruitment is a direct search led by the company, and applications via agencies will not be accepted. Travel flexibility of 20–30% is expected. The position emphasizes cross-functional collaboration in a global environment and demands strong organizational, technical, and leadership capabilities.