R&D; / NPD Associate

We are looking for an R&D; / NPD Associate to help us build and launch new products across supplements, functional foods, and wellness categories. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both product innovation and execution — from ingredient research and formulation coordination to trials, vendor follow-ups, and launch readiness.

The R&D; / NPD Associate will work closely with the founders, contract manufacturers, ingredient vendors, and cross-functional teams to support new product development and existing product improvement.
This is a hands-on role for someone who can combine scientific thinking, detail orientation, consumer empathy, and speed of execution

Location: Full-time, On-site position, Hyderabad Office

Responsibilities 

• New Product Development (NPD)
  Support the end-to-end development of new products from idea to launch.
  Translate product concepts into clear briefs for formulators and manufacturing partners.
  Conduct ingredient, format, and dosage research for new wellness/supplement products.
  Benchmark competitor products across India and global markets for formulation, claims, pricing,
  and positioning.
  Work on new formats such as powders, gummies, capsules, tablets, sachets, etc.
  
•  Formulation & Product Trials
  Coordinate with third-party formulators and manufacturers for formulation development.
  Track formulation iterations, sensory trials, stability feedback, and product improvements.
  Evaluate products for taste, mixability, texture, aroma, appearance, and usability.
  Assist in improving products based on internal feedback, consumer feedback, and operational
  feasibility.
  Maintain structured documentation of trials, observations, and formulation changes
•  Ingredient & Claims Research
  Research functional ingredients, dosages, evidence, usage restrictions, and market relevance.
  Evaluate ingredient suitability for clean-label / consumer-friendly formulations.
  Support claim substantiation by collecting and organizing scientific literature, references, and
  product rationale.
  Stay updated on trends in supplements, gut health, women’s wellness, kids’ nutrition, sleep, stress,
  protein, and preventive wellness.
  
• Vendor / Manufacturer Coordination
  Coordinate with ingredient suppliers, contract manufacturers, and testing labs.
  Follow up on samples, timelines, COAs, specifications, MOQ discussions, and trial batches.
  Support sourcing of ingredients and packaging components for new product launches.
  Help compare vendors on quality, responsiveness, cost, and scalability
• Quality & Compliance Support
  Support documentation related to product specs, ingredient sheets, test reports, and label inputs.
  Coordinate basic product documentation needed for launch readiness.
  Work with relevant internal/external teams on regulatory, compliance, and packaging claim
  alignment.
  Ensure product information is accurately documented and shared with cross-functional teams.
•  Cross-functional Launch Readiness
  Work with brand, design, operations, and growth teams to ensure product readiness for launch.
  Help translate technical product details into simplified consumer-facing benefits.
  Support product training for internal teams by organizing key formulation/product information.
  Contribute to launch decks, product notes, FAQs, and internal knowledge documents.

Skill Sets  - Must Have

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Technology, Nutrition, Food Science, Pharmaceutical
  Sciences, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related fields.
  
• 1–4 years of experience in R&D;, NPD, formulation, quality, or product development.
• Strong interest in health, wellness, supplements, and functional nutrition.
  
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple product workstreams.
  
• Good communication and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment
  

Good to Have

• Experience in nutraceuticals / supplements / functional foods / FMCG wellness.
• Familiarity with ingredient research, dosage understanding, sensory evaluations, contract manufacturing workflows, and basic regulatory/compliance coordination.
• Strong Excel / Google Sheets and documentation skills.
• Consumer-first thinking and curiosity about what makes a product actually work in the market.

Be a part of Earthful’s Family! 

@ www.instagram.com/earthful.me/ 

@www.linkedin.com/company/earthfulme/ 

About Earthful

Earthful is a VC-funded FMCG brand building India’s most trusted clean-label wellness products. We were recently featured on Shark Tank India and have raised a Pre-Series A round led by V3 Ventures and Fireside Ventures.

The founders (Sudha Gogineni and Veda Gogineni) are graduates from IIT Kharagpur and ISB with a multitude of experience across multinational companies & startups, such as Uber, Meesho, Deutsche Bank, ITC.

Earthful is a fast-growing startup, offering high ownership and the opportunity to work closely with the founders. We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about scaling a startup!