R&D Associate - Condoms ( 1 year Contract)

About the role

As an R&D Associate, you will play a key role in delivering product development projects across the Durex R&D portfolio. You will lead end-to-end (E2E) projects from concept through to market launch, or take ownership of a specific workstream within larger, more complex technical projects, depending on business needs. Your work will contribute directly to the development of innovative, consumer-preferred products and support their successful transition into full-scale production and commercial launch.

This role requires the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary project team. You will be responsible for balancing project opportunities, costs, timelines, and technical constraints to deliver high-quality outcomes. Strong organizational, technical, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to take ownership of key project deliverables and drive progress in a dynamic environment.

The role may also involve coaching or line management responsibilities for R&D Assistants or junior R&D Associates. Success in this position requires both theoretical and practical expertise in relevant Durex technologies, such as formulation and process development, as well as a solid understanding of applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about innovation, enjoys solving technical challenges, and wants to make a meaningful impact through the development of products trusted by consumers around the world.

Your responsibilities

• Lead and execute product development activities in line with agreed project timelines, proactively identifying and escalating risks or issues to ensure successful delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, both internal and external, to achieve technical milestones and project objectives.
• Plan, coordinate, and support factory trials, product qualification testing, and validation activities prior to commercialization.
• Ensure product specifications, technical documentation, and development records are accurate, complete, and approved before full-scale production.
• Provide guidance and support to R&D Assistants and junior Associates, including coaching and development opportunities where applicable.
• Apply consumer insights and market understanding to support the design and development of consumer-preferred products.
• Balance product performance, technical robustness, quality requirements, and cost targets throughout the development process.
• Develop and implement effective evaluation methodologies to support sustainable, consumer-relevant product claims.
• Contribute to idea generation, concept development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure intellectual property (IP) considerations are appropriately assessed and addressed during product development.
• Prepare, review, and communicate technical reports and project updates throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Ensure all development activities comply with applicable regulatory, quality, safety, health, and environmental requirements.

The experience we're looking for

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree in a scientific field relevant to the product technologies within the portfolio.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in either healthcare/FMCG product development or in the medicaldevice industry, with focus on design control, risk management, or quality management.
• Experience in line management is preferred but not essential.

Knowledge or experience in the following areas is preferred:

• ISO 13485 – Quality management systems for medical devices, especially product realisation.
• ISO 14971 – Risk management for medical devices, or other riskmanagement methodologies (e.g., FMEA).
• BS EN 62366 – Usability engineering for medical devices.
• Design controls.

The skills for success

• Results-oriented with strong planning, time management, and organizational skills, along with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Experience working within large multinational organizations and complex cross-functional environments.
• Adaptable and open to change, with the ability to challenge conventional thinking and generate innovative solutions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset, coupled with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a structured approach to decision-making.