Founding Food Scientist / Product Developer

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Formulation

• Develop and optimize probiotic soda recipes achieving target CFU counts (1 billion+ per serving) with 6+ month ambient shelf stability
• Source and evaluate probiotic cultures, sweeteners, and flavoring ingredients from local and regional supplier
• Create product specifications balancing taste profile, health efficacy, production feasibility, and cost targets
• Design and execute sensory testing protocols for consumer validation

Production & Quality Systems

• Design a production process that allows for efficient production from day 1 and scales with the needs of the company
• Design quality control procedures including microbial testing, CFU verification, and shelf-life validation
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all production processes
• Implement HACCP framework and prepare facility for KEBS certification

Regulatory & Compliance

• Lead KEBS product & production certification process including documentation, testing, and facility inspection preparation
• Navigate regulatory requirements for health claims and probiotic labeling
• Maintain compliance records and prepare for periodic regulatory audits

Scale-Up & Operations

• Specify equipment requirements for Phase 1 production (500,000L annual capacity)
• Evaluate and recommend co-packing partnerships as alternative or complement to owned production
• Develop tech transfer documentation for production scaling

RequirementsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field
• 5+ years experience in food/beverage product development
• Prior experience in beverage manufacturing at commercial scale
• Hands-on experience with live cultures, probiotics, or fermented beverages (kombucha, kefir, yogurt, or similar)
• Working knowledge of KEBS certification processes and Kenyan food safety regulations
• Experience developing and implementing HACCP or similar food safety systems
• Strong analytical skills and comfort with laboratory testing procedures

Preferred

• Master's degree in Food Science or related discipline
• Experience with carbonation and bottling processes
• Existing relationships with ingredient suppliers, testing laboratories, or regulatory consultants in Kenya
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity in startup environments