Research And Development Manager

Company: Biotrace Labs Private Limited

Department: Research & Development

Job Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Experience: 8–10+ years

Industry: Nutraceuticals / Extracts / Life Sciences

Employment Type: Full-Time

Company Overview

Biotrace Labs Private Limited is focused on innovation and the development of high-quality solutions in the life sciences and nutraceutical space. The organization is committed to developing science-backed products that meet evolving market needs while maintaining high standards of quality, efficacy, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Why Join Biotrace Labs

·       Opportunity to lead innovation in the fast-growing nutraceutical and life sciences industry.

·       Work on scientifically driven products and natural ingredient solutions.

·       Lead end-to-end product development and commercialization.

·       Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the company's innovation strategy.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced and innovation-driven R&D Leader with a strong background in Nutraceuticals, Botanical Extracts, Formulation Science, and Product Development.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Life Sciences along with 8–10+ years of hands-on R&D experience in the nutraceutical industry. The individual will be responsible for leading product development from concept and research through formulation, validation, scale-up, regulatory compliance, and commercialization.

The role requires strong technical expertise, commercial awareness, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams involving R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Sales, and Marketing.

Key Responsibilities

1. R&D Strategy & Leadership

·       Develop and execute the R&D strategy aligned with the company's business and innovation objectives.

·       Lead and mentor the R&D team, fostering a culture of scientific innovation and continuous improvement.

·       Build strong collaboration across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Sales, and Marketing functions.

·       Identify emerging technologies, ingredients, and scientific developments relevant to the nutraceutical industry.

2. Product & Formulation Development

·       Lead the development of nutraceutical formulations from concept to commercialization.

·       Design, develop, and optimize formulations for efficacy, stability, bioavailability, safety, and scalability.

·       Work extensively with botanical extracts, functional ingredients, active compounds, and delivery systems.

·       Evaluate ingredient compatibility, dosage forms, sensory characteristics, stability, and shelf-life requirements.

·       Develop prototypes and conduct laboratory and pilot-scale trials.

3. Extraction & Process Technology

·       Provide technical leadership in extraction, purification, concentration, and processing technologies for botanical and natural ingredients.

·       Evaluate and optimize extraction processes to improve yield, potency, quality, and cost efficiency.

·       Support technology transfer and scale-up from laboratory to pilot and commercial manufacturing.

·       Troubleshoot technical and process-related challenges during product development and commercialization.

4. Product Commercialization

·       Drive successful product launches from R&D through commercialization.

·       Coordinate with manufacturing teams for pilot batches, scale-up, process validation, and commercial production.

·       Ensure products meet defined quality, performance, stability, and cost targets.

·       Support technical documentation and product specifications required for commercialization.

·       Work closely with commercial teams to translate customer requirements and market opportunities into innovative products.

5. Regulatory & Compliance

·       Ensure product development activities comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including FSSAI, AYUSH, US FDA, EU regulations, and applicable cosmetic regulations.

·       Collaborate with Regulatory and Quality teams on ingredient approvals, product claims, specifications, testing, and documentation.

·       Stay updated on changes in nutraceutical, food, botanical, and cosmetic regulations.

·       Ensure formulations and product claims are supported by appropriate scientific and regulatory evidence.

6. Innovation & Market Intelligence

·       Identify emerging trends in nutraceuticals, functional foods, dietary supplements, botanical extracts, and wellness products.

·       Conduct scientific and technical evaluation of new ingredients and technologies.

·       Develop innovative products based on market trends, consumer needs, customer requirements, and competitive intelligence.

·       Build a strong pipeline of new products and technology-driven solutions.

Educational Qualifications

·       PhD in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food Technology, or a related discipline.

·       Additional qualifications in Nutraceuticals, Formulation Science, Food Science, or Pharmaceutical Technology will be an advantage.

Experience & Technical Skills

·       8–10+ years of hands-on R&D experience, preferably within the nutraceutical, botanical extracts, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical, food, or related industries.

·       Strong expertise in formulation development and product innovation.

·       In-depth knowledge of extraction technologies, process development, scale-up, and technology transfer.

·       Strong understanding of stability, bioavailability, efficacy, and formulation optimization.

·       Good knowledge of FSSAI, AYUSH, US FDA, EU, and relevant cosmetic regulations.

·       Proven track record of successful product launches and commercialization.

·       Experience working with cross-functional teams and external technical partners.

·       Strong scientific research, analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Leadership Competencies

·       Strong people leadership and team-building capabilities.

·       Ability to lead cross-functional projects from ideation to commercialization.

·       Excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

·       Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.

·       Ability to balance scientific innovation, regulatory requirements, customer needs, timelines, and commercial objectives.

·       Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to R&D.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

·       Number and success rate of new product launches.

·       R&D project completion within agreed timelines.

·       Successful scale-up and commercialization of formulations.

·       Product quality, stability, efficacy, and regulatory compliance.

·       Innovation pipeline and new product development.

·       Reduction in formulation/process development timelines and costs.

·       Cross-functional project delivery and team performance.