Advancements in biotech have been the driving force behind many of the innovations shaping food and nutrition today. They have helped extend the shelf life of produce, improve the nutritional value of everyday foods, and introduce new sources of protein. These breakthroughs are changing both what we eat and how we produce it, supporting a more sustainable and efficient food system.

Despite driving meaningful progress in food and nutrition, the biotech industry is navigating a turbulent period. Investor caution over the past few years has slowed funding and hiring across biotech. In 2024 alone, Fierce Biotech tracked 298 rounds of biotech layoffs nationwide. Yet there are signs of recovery. The broader life sciences sector reported a 7% rise in job growth last year, offering hope that biotech is poised for a rebound.

As the demand for sustainable, health-focused food solutions continues to grow, companies face increasing pressure to deliver. Paired with signs of recovery in the biotech job market, it’s a pivotal time to focus on strategic hiring. The challenge isn’t just coming up with the next big innovation. Success depends on having the right team to bring it to life. If you're looking to build a high-performing food and nutrition biotech team, start by filling these ten key roles.

1. Food Biotechnologist

If you're developing new food products or modifying existing ones, a food biotechnologist belongs on your team. They bring scientific expertise to projects focused on shelf life, texture, flavor, and nutrition. Their knowledge helps turn early-stage ideas into market-ready solutions.

2. Molecular Biologist / Genetic Engineer

A molecular biologist or genetic engineer helps you design ingredients from scratch. Whether you're boosting crop nutrition or programming microbes to produce proteins or vitamins, they enable precise innovation that aligns with health and sustainability goals.

3. Fermentation Scientist

Fermentation scientists help you unlock the power of microbes. They develop scalable processes that turn yeast, fungi, or bacteria into alternative proteins, flavor compounds, and other high-value ingredients. Their work supports cleaner labels and lower production costs.

4. Regulatory Affairs Specialist

A regulatory affairs specialist keeps your innovation on track and in compliance. They understand the complex rules around food safety, labeling, and biotech approvals. With the right hire, you avoid delays, reduce risk, and bring products to market faster.

5. Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager

If you’re scaling production, you need someone to safeguard quality from start to finish. A food safety and quality assurance manager builds systems that ensure consistency, prevent contamination, and protect your brand. Their oversight is critical for consumer trust.

6. Product Development Specialist

A product development specialist turns research into real products. They work across teams to refine taste, texture, and nutrition based on consumer feedback and technical data. With this role in place, you can move faster from concept to commercialization.

7. Nutrition Specialist / Clinical Research Associate

A nutrition specialist or clinical research associate helps you validate health claims and ensure products deliver real benefits. Whether designing studies or analyzing results, they provide the evidence needed to back your brand’s value in the wellness market.

8. Bioprocess Engineer

Bioprocess engineers design and improve the systems that make your ingredients at scale. From fermentation to purification, they help you increase efficiency, cut costs, and maintain quality in production. Their work is key to moving from pilot to full-scale manufacturing.

9. Data Scientist / Bioinformatician

A data scientist or bioinformatician helps you make sense of complex biological data. They analyze everything from genetic sequences to production metrics, revealing insights that drive better decisions. Their input can accelerate R&D and reduce trial-and-error.

10. Sustainability Analyst

If you're serious about environmental impact, a sustainability analyst adds measurable value. They assess your supply chain, emissions, and resource use, then recommend improvements. Their work supports ESG goals and gives your team the data needed to communicate progress.

Ready to Grow Your Food and Nutrition Team?

Innovation in food and nutrition depends on more than great ideas. It takes the right people with the right expertise to turn possibilities into progress. Whether you're expanding your R&D pipeline, scaling a new product, or improving operations, each of these roles brings specialized value that can move your goals forward. If you're planning to grow your team and want a partner who understands the talent landscape in biotech and food science, we’re ready to support you with the insight and reach you need to hire with confidence. Reach out to use here to get the conversation started!