Food Scientist

Company Description Dawat Group is one of the UK’s leading names in premium Pakistani and Indian cuisine, offering award-winning restaurants, high-end catering, immersive venues, and a fast-growing franchise model accredited by the British Franchise Association (BFA) and the Quality Franchise Association (QFA). Featured in The Sun, Dawat is gaining national recognition for innovation, experiential dining, and scalable franchise growth. With over 30 years of culinary expertise and more than 15 years of operational success, the group is trusted for authentic, slow-cooked dishes prepared from scratch using traditional recipes and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Its catering division is a preferred supplier for many of London’s most prestigious venues, delivering bespoke multi-cultural menus and full event management for weddings, corporate events, and private functions. Dawat’s expanding franchise network, supported by strong branding, centralised marketing, and in-house tech, currently includes branches in Tooting (HQ), Norbury, Mitcham, with Chiswick and Selsdon opening soon.

Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Food Scientist role based in London. The Food Scientist will work closely with culinary, operations, and franchise teams to develop and refine recipes, products, and processes that align with Dawat’s standards for authenticity, quality, and consistency. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting laboratory and kitchen-based experiments, performing sensory and quality evaluations, and applying food science and technology principles to improve shelf life, safety, and nutritional profiles. The role involves supporting research and development projects for new menu items and product lines, documenting formulations and procedures, and ensuring compliance with relevant food safety and regulatory requirements. The Food Scientist will also collaborate on staff training, support production scale-up across restaurants and catering operations, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the Food & Beverage portfolio.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Food Science and Food Technology skills, with the ability to apply scientific principles to product development and quality improvement.
• Candidates should possess Research and Development (R&D) skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and documentation of findings in a structured and reproducible manner.
• Candidates should possess solid Laboratory Skills, such as sample preparation, use of analytical equipment, and adherence to safety and hygiene protocols.
• Candidates should possess knowledge and experience in the Food & Beverage sector, ideally within restaurant, catering, or food manufacturing environments.
• Relevant degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related discipline is preferred, along with understanding of UK food safety, HACCP, and regulatory standards.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and capability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in fast-paced operational settings.
• Experience with sensory evaluation