Advisor, Starch Novel Product Development

Rift Protein is an early-stage business developing high quality novel plant-based food proteins used to create finished products with close to net zero carbon footprint.  We’re currently focused on mung bean protein isolates and starch, with fully-traceable mung beans sourced from smallholder farmers in East Africa.  We are currently scaling up our protein isolate production.   

Mung beans contain high-amylose starch, which traditionally has been used for the production of glass noodles in Asia.  However, there are other potential high-value applications such as biodegradable and edible packaging and coatings for the food sector, to substitute for plastic and increase the shelf-life of fruit and vegetables, respectively.  Mung bean starch may also be suitable for pharmaceutical applications.  

We are seeking an Advisor with a strong background in starch R&D and product development to advise and guide our product development strategy and research.  The role will initially involve a limited number of hours.  But we will apply for grant funding for R&D and product development, enabling the role to expand should the individual wish to become more involved.

The team currently consists of the founder/CEO, responsible for business, product development and research strategy, a PhD Food Scientist, focused on plant-based milk and other protein products with many years' experience in leading firms in industry, and a senior PhD R&D scientist with a background in plant biotechnology.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic problem solver with experience of plant-based starch R&D and product development with at least some industry experience.  They will be enthused by the potential for creating novel products.   Responsibilities include at least the first two items:

1. Lead on Rift Protein’s starch strategy product development, which may be focused on biodegradable and edible packaging (we are open to other high-value uses of our starch).

2. Guide the team in the R&D to develop the selected starch products, to test the concepts in the lab and subsequently in scale-up.

3. Together with the rest of the team, set product development priorities and design the project and protocols to deliver the priority products.

4. Oversee the development of the starch product to production of commercial samples, functionality and acceptance testing.

5. Advise on regulatory requirements and patent submissions.

Skills and experience:

- Bachelor’s, Master’s or Engineering degree in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science or a related subject.

- At least three years’ experience of plant-based starch product development, including in a commercial environment and ideally with experience of the packaging sector.

- Experience of theory and practice of starch R&D, including equipment selection and operation.

- Self-motivated, results-driven, committed and creative.

- Good written and verbal communication skills in English, with Dutch also spoken.

As an Advisor, there is an opportunity to join a motivated and highly skilled and experienced team doing interesting, novel work while making a difference to the planet.  We're a start-up and the role is advisory so we little financial reward to offer but can promise a great team, challenges and interesting work.  The plant protein side of the business is developing well and this is an opportunity to contribute to and be part of the success of the business by helping to develop an important second strand.  For the right candidate who has proved their value-added and commitment this can mean reward through participating in the economics of the business.

See Benefits section.

You have the skills and experience set out above and are able and willing to start with a very part-time advisory commitment with the potential to build out to a larger role over time