Researcher-Foods Of Tribal Regions Neobcorp Social Innovations

1. Role Summary: The Researcher - Foods of Tribal Regions will lead systematic research, documentation, validation, and translation of indigenous tribal food knowledge into viable, market-linked product opportunities.

The role requires integration of:
Ethnographic field research
Nutritional & ingredient profiling
Value chain mapping
Product feasibility analysis
Documentation & storytelling

The objective is to build a credible, evidence-backed pipeline of tribal ingredients and traditional foods that can be responsibly commercialized while preserving cultural integrity and ensuring fair sourcing.

2. Key Responsibilities
A. Field & Ethnographic Research
Conduct immersive field visits in tribal regions to document:
Traditional food practices
Seasonal food calendars
Processing techniques
Indigenous preservation methods
Record oral histories related to food systems.
Map community-level production clusters and knowledge holders.
Maintain structured field notes, audio/video documentation, and consent records.

B. Ingredient & Nutritional Research
Identify underutilized tribal crops (millets, forest foods, pulses, tubers, herbs).
Conduct secondary research on:
Nutritional composition
Functional properties
Comparative health benefits
Coordinate with food labs for testing where required.
Prepare ingredient dossiers (scientific + cultural profile).

C. Value Chain & Feasibility Mapping
Analyze:
Availability & aggregation feasibility
Processing requirements
Shelf-life constraints
Regulatory considerations (FSSAI norms)
Identify potential bottlenecks in sourcing and scale-up.
Support development of sustainable sourcing frameworks.

D. Product Research & Innovation Support
Translate traditional foods into modern FMCG formats:
Premixes
Ready-to-cook blends
Functional foods
Health-positioned products
Assist food technologists in formulation referencing traditional authenticity.
Validate taste, acceptance, and cultural appropriateness.

E. Documentation & Knowledge Systems
Develop:
Tribal Food Knowledge Reports
Region-wise Food Atlases
Seasonal Ingredient Maps
Contribute to brand storytelling grounded in verified research.
Support grant proposals and investor decks with evidence-backed research.

3. Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s/Master’s in:
Food Science / Nutrition
Agriculture
Anthropology
Rural Development
Agribusiness

1–3 years experience in:
Food systems research
Tribal or rural fieldwork
Ethnographic documentation

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