About us
AmaranthLabs is a UK-based foodtech startup on a bold mission: to build the world's first end-to-end platform to fully valorise amaranth – a climate-resilient, nutrient-dense ancient grain with a complete functional protein and smallest starch granule among all known starches.
The role
We are seeking a highly motivated
Ingredient Scientist
with significant experience in carbohydrates to join our R&D team. Working with amaranth-derived starch streams, you will be responsible for characterising, purifying, and developing functional food ingredients to create value-added products for the food industry. We are looking for individuals with a strong background in food science, biochemistry or formulation sciences, along with experience in developing market-ready food ingredients.
We would love to meet candidates from a variety of backgrounds, and therefore urge applicants to apply for this role even if they feel they might not meet all of the required experience.
What you'll do
* Characterise prototype starch streams
using advanced analytical techniques to understand molecular structure, functionality, and performance characteristics of amaranth-derived carbohydrates
* Develop and optimise purification processes
to increase starch purity and enhance functional properties, working with both established and novel separation techniques
* Design and execute functionality testing protocols
to evaluate ingredient performance across key parameters including viscosity, gel strength, thermal stability, and water-binding capacity
* Create targeted food applications
that showcase ingredient functionality and commercial potential, working across categories such as bakery, dairy alternatives, sauces, and processed foods
* Develop technical documentation
including ingredient specifications, application guides, and performance data sheets for potential clients and commercial partners
* Collaborate with equipment vendors and external testing facilities
to access specialised characterisation and processing equipment
* Support customer engagement activities
by preparing samples, conducting application trials, and presenting technical data to potential clients
* Maintain detailed records
of experimental work, ensuring reproducibility and supporting IP development and regulatory submissions
* Stay current with industry trends
in functional carbohydrates and clean-label ingredients to identify new opportunities and applications
* Work cross-functionally
with senior leadership to align technical development with strategic business objectives and go-to-market activities
What we're looking for
* BSc and MSc (PhD desirable) in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, Carbohydrate chemistry or a related discipline.
* 3+ years' industrial or post-doctoral experience in ingredient development with specific focus on carbohydrates, starches, or functional food ingredients
* Deep technical knowledge of starch chemistry, functionality, and modification techniques
* Hands-on experience with analytical techniques for carbohydrate characterisation (rheology, DSC, RVA, microscopy, chromatography, spectroscopy)
* Understanding of food applications and how ingredient functionality translates to product performance
* Experience with purification and separation techniques such as chromatography, filtration, precipitation, and centrifugation
* Knowledge of food industry regulations and ingredient approval processes
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on complex technical challenges
* Excellent communication skills for presenting technical information to both technical and commercial audiences
* Knowledge of grain processing or protein-starch separation is preferred
Perks & benefits
* A competitive salary + performance bonus + share option scheme
* Brand new lab and office space in Abingdon Science Park (Oxfordshire)
* 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays
* Gym membership
* Ongoing learning and career development opportunities