About the Role

Reporting into senior leadership, the Director of R&D; will play a key role in shaping the company's scientific strategy, driving clinical research programmes, building academic partnerships, and strengthening the evidence base behind a portfolio of science-backed nutritional ingredients. This role sits at the intersection of science, innovation, clinical research, and commercial strategy. You will lead the development of new scientific insights, oversee clinical research activities, engage with external research partners, and act as a scientific ambassador for the business globally. The position offers significant visibility across the organisation and will support strategic growth initiatives across Europe, North America, and APAC.

Responsibilities Scientific Leadership & Strategy

Contribute to the development and execution of the company's long-term scientific strategy

Identify emerging research opportunities and future health applications for existing and new ingredient technologies

Stay at the forefront of developments within nutrition, health, and ingredient science

Drive the generation and communication of scientific evidence across the organisation

Clinical Research

Design, oversee, and manage human clinical trials from concept through publication

Develop novel research hypotheses and study concepts

Manage relationships with CROs, universities, and external research partners

Ensure studies are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest scientific standards

Lead the interpretation and communication of clinical outcomes

External Partnerships & Scientific Network

Build and expand relationships with universities, research institutes, and key opinion leaders

Identify opportunities for collaborative research programmes





Support grant applications and external funding initiatives

Scientific Communication & Commercial Support

Develop scientific publications, white papers, technical documents, and conference presentations

Present scientific findings at industry events, customer meetings, and trade shows

Partner closely with commercial, marketing, product development, and regulatory teams

Translate complex scientific concepts into compelling commercial narratives

Qualifications

PhD in Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biostatistics, or a related discipline

Required Skills

Industry experience within nutraceuticals, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health ingredients, or adjacent sectors

Strong experience managing clinical trials and external CRO relationships

Experience taking ownership of clinical studies from design through execution and publication

Proven track record of developing academic partnerships and research collaborations

Strong scientific writing and presentation skills

Comfortable engaging with customers, commercial teams, investors, and industry stakeholders

Experience within dietary supplements, functional ingredients, omega-3s, lipids, proteins, or related categories would be advantageous

Preferred Skills

Personal Profile

Positive, proactive, and entrepreneurial

Strong communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills

Comfortable operating in a growing and evolving business environment

Passionate about science, innovation, and translating research into commercial success

Willing to travel internationally as required

Location: Open to candidates across Europe, with regular travel required for leadership meetings and external engagements. Huge win to be based or open to relocate to Oslo, but not essential.

📌 Director Of Research Development (Madrid)
🏢 Hartmann Young
📍 Madrid