Herbal Research Specialist

Herbal Research Specialist

Do you aspire to deliver cutting edge herbal research and work for a purposeful, sustainable and growing ethical brand? Are you an expert in herbal medicine / nutrition, and ideally have some practical commercial experience gained within the food or herbal industry? We are looking for a Herbal Research Specialist to support and develop Pukka’s research portfolio.

Based in our Bristol office, the role comes with a competitive salary and a benefits package designed to nurture your wellbeing and personal development.

About Pukka Herbs

Pukka Herbs create delicious organic herbal teas and incredible health supplements that take people on a journey of discovery to a healthier, happier life, benefiting people, plants and the planet. Pukka Herbs, which began 15 years ago, is the fastest growing UK herbal tea company and the country’s 6th fastest growing grocery brand. Over a million cups of Pukka tea are enjoyed every day and Pukka’s teas and supplements are sold in over 40 countries across the globe.

We can offer a unique opportunity to expand the evidence base for natural medicines, and play a key supportive role in guiding how natural medicines are viewed by the healthcare community.

About the Herbal Research Specialist role

You’ll support the Head of Herbal Research in furthering Pukka’s research objectives and in developing and managing Pukka’s research portfolio. You’ll analyse and interpret research data, and compile research materials for training and education purposes, including the production of written reports, presentation slides in PowerPoint and online materials. Day-to-day you’ll handle research queries originating internally or externally and manage the demands of our daily research activities. There will be opportunity to commission and work alongside leading research institutions both nationally and internationally.

Acting as an expert in the scientific and traditional evidence of our ingredients, you’ll provide regular research updates to the Head of Research and the wider community, support the team in supply and interpretation of information from our Sourcing and Quality teams, and compile herbal safety and substantiation material.

Working as part of our growing Herbal team, you’ll assist in the maintenance and growth of Pukka’s knowledge database and education material. You’ll work with our commercial teams to increase understanding and knowledge regarding our herbal formulas to effectively educate customers about our products.

About you

Bright and enthusiastic with a positive and mature attitude, you’ll be an expert in Herbal Medicine, ideally Western and Ayurvedic or another energetic tradition, and Nutrition. You’ll be qualified to a MSc level or have equivalent knowledge of herbal medicine, photochemistry or biochemistry. Strong academic knowledge of healthcare related research and experience of working with research literature is required.

Whilst ideally you’ll have practical commercial experience gained within the food or herbal industry, it is essential that you can show knowledge of interpreting and implementing clinical research. Excellent academic and report writing skills are needed alongside efficient research methodology experience.

You’ll understand concepts and have some knowledge of pharmacogsony, botanical identification, physical assay including HPTLC, HPLC, GC-MS, NMR and pharmacopoeial monographs, and have a real interest in and passion for learning more. An up-to-date knowledge of current medical practices, epidemiology and drug-herb safety issues is required.

Strong organizational skills are needed to effectively manage, prioritise and deliver in a fast-paced commercial environment. You’ll have a flexible approach, remaining calm, unflappable and resilient in challenging times. Inspired by attending to detail, you’ll be able to work independently to achieve deadlines and proactively solve problems.

Additionally, it is essential that you are eligible to work permanently in the UK. We are unable to sponsor work visas.

To apply

If you’re intrigued and excited by what you’ve read so far, let’s see if you have what it takes to thrive at Pukka. To apply please use the link below to view our jobs and attach your CV and your answers to the four questions below.

- Who are you?

- How do you relate to others?

- Heart or head?

- Describe your energy