Product Development Associate Scientist

Overview

Join poppi's dynamic R&D team dedicated to transforming the soda experience, making it refreshing and delicious without the extra sugar. Our mission is to bring fun back to functional beverages with our delightful prebiotic soda line. We're a passionate team committed to improving gut health and offering tasty alternatives to traditional sodas.

The Product Development Associate Scientist plays a vital role in supporting our strategic R&D initiatives from our lab in Austin, TX. This position involves working closely with R&D scientists and managers to ideate and develop new products, troubleshoot technical issues, and enhance sensory and functional performance.

• Assist R&D scientists with daily tasks and conduct laboratory work related to assigned projects, including developing bench‑top prototypes and conducting stability testing.
• Prepare laboratory beverages and concentrates accurately, submitting samples for various evaluations.
• Maintain thorough documentation of trials, experimental results, and testing, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Regularly update the manager and cross‑functional team on project progress.
• Create and verify product specification documents.
• Conduct experiments, analyze data, and provide recommendations for addressing technical issues.
• Utilize consumer research and experimental design to meet project objectives, including shelf‑life testing.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Nutrition, and Regulatory teams to ensure safe and legal product designs.
• Source ingredients from external partners and leverage vendor knowledge.
• Manage incoming samples and shipments efficiently.
• Provide documents for consumer tests and support pilot plant production.
• Coordinate logistics for prototype shipments to various stakeholders and events.
• Ensure formulations are submitted for relevant performance studies, compiling results for presentations.
• Prepare all necessary documentation related to assigned projects.
• Work flexibly as needed to accommodate focus groups, product expos, and trials.
• Perform all tasks safely and in compliance with company protocols and safety regulations.
• Foster a progressive team culture that aligns with company values.

• The expected salary range for this role is $66,900 - $111,950.
• Actual starting salary will be determined based on location, skills, experience, and education.
• Enjoy paid time off including parental leave, vacation, and sick days.
• Benefit from a comprehensive package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and retirement plans.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Quick learner excited about beverage manufacturing.
• Data‑driven approach to product development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to analyze and interpret consumer trends.
• Proven ability to maintain strong working relationships with partners.

Our company values diversity and encourages applications from qualified individuals with various backgrounds. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, gender, or disability status.