[Hiring] Senior Officer, Nutrition R&D @Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Role Description

As a Senior Officer, Nutrition R&D on our agile and impact-first Nutrition team, you will manage and grow a portfolio of investments primarily focused on India, with some engagement in Africa, to advance technology and product innovations that strengthen LSFF.

The role requires a deep understanding of India’s nutrition ecosystem and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical experts across the Nutrition team, GGO division and the broader Foundation. The postholder will provide technical leadership, help shape strategy and influence key decisions to advance the LSFF strategic priorities.

The role sits within the Foundation’s India Country Office in New Delhi, however we are open to considering a remote work arrangement for the right candidate whose qualifications and experience strongly align with the requirements of the role. The postholder reports to the Deputy Director, Agricultural Development and Nutrition - South Asia, and works in close alignment with the strategic priorities of the global Nutrition PST.

What You’ll Do

• R&D and Product Development: Provide strategic and technical oversight of complex R&D projects and partnerships across the product development continuum, from early-stage research to technology development, formulation optimization, product development, process scaleup, clinical trials, and regulatory approval.
• Investment Management: Develop and manage a portfolio of investments focused on advancing technology and product innovations to improve LSFF programmes in priority low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Investment Strategy and Prioritisation: Develop frameworks to identify, assess and prioritise high-impact nutrition innovations. Lead due diligence on investment opportunities and provide evidence-based funding recommendations to foundation leadership.
• Grant and Portfolio Oversight: Oversee grant implementation and performance, providing technical guidance to grantees, monitoring milestones, managing budgets and reporting, and ensuring investments deliver intended outcomes.
• Scientific and Technical Expertise: Stay abreast of advances in nutrition science and emerging technologies, providing scientific guidance and reviewing technical materials for the Nutrition team, foundation leadership and strategic partners.
• Strategic Advisory: Contribute to the strategic direction of the Nutrition R&D portfolio, advising the Nutrition Leadership Team on emerging opportunities, scientific developments and investment priorities.
• External Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with universities, research institutions, private sector organisations and NGOs to advance the foundation's R&D agenda and support grantee innovation.
• Innovation Ecosystem Engagement: Represent the foundation in relevant scientific conferences, innovation networks and technical convenings, identifying emerging technologies and opportunities for collaboration in LSFF.
• Evidence Generation and Communication: Synthesise scientific literature, prepare technical briefs and translate complex research findings into actionable recommendations to inform programme strategy and investment decisions.
• Cross-Foundation Collaboration: Work closely with teams across the foundation, including maternal and newborn health, food systems and country offices, to advance an integrated approach to nutrition and contribute to improved health and developmental outcomes.
• Technical Leadership: Serve as a key technical resource on LSFF technology and product innovation, supporting strategic planning, cross-team collaboration and evidence-informed decision-making across the Nutrition team, GGO Division and broader foundation.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, preferably in Biochemistry, Food Science and Technology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition or a related field.
• At least 10 years of senior-level experience in R&D, technology innovation or product development within the life sciences sector, preferably in nutrition.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex R&D and product development portfolios focused on human health, ideally in nutrition science.
• Proven ability to manage diverse stakeholder interests, build strategic partnerships and effectively lead and influence others in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Established scientific and technical credibility, demonstrated through publications, presentations, product development achievements, commercialization or recognised contributions to the field.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate scientific evidence, assess research outcomes and guide R&D initiatives towards measurable impact.
• In-depth understanding of current nutrition science, particularly its application to LSFF and nutrition challenges in India and LMICs, including Africa.
• Experience across the product lifecycle, including clinical research, product design, sensory, shelf-life and stability management, manufacturing scale-up, and regulatory processes for innovations, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and influence decisions within complex, matrixed organisations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to synthesise complex technical information, provide clear strategic recommendations and build consensus among diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with micronutrient assessment and diagnostic technologies, including biomarkers and product testing methodologies, is an advantage.

Other Attributes

• Comfortable in a wide range of cultural, geographic and operational situations, demonstrating culturally sensitive behaviour with a diverse range of people and a deep commitment to development issues and high standards of personal integrity.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time.
• Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.

Application Deadline

14 November 2026

Hiring Requirements

As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Candidate Accommodations

We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates. If you have a disability or medical condition and need an accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process—such as an ASL interpreter, alternative interview format, or physical accessibility support—we’re happy to help. Please contact [email protected] with the position number and a brief description of your accommodation needs. Requests will be handled confidentially.

Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and cultural workplace that supports ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion — of voices, ideas, and approaches — and we support this diversity through all our employment practices.

All applicants and employees who are drawn to serve our mission will enjoy equality of opportunity and fair treatment without regard to race, color, age, religion, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and prior protected activity.