Food Scientist

Location: Odessa

This range is provided by HR Soul. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$70,000.00/yr - $85,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from HR Soul

Strategic HR Executive helping businesses achieve their goals with personalized HR strategies

Here at HR Soul our solutions amplify the performance of people and the soul of company culture. From strategic planning with CEO’s, partnering with HR leaders on key projects, building high performing teams to coaching and recruiting the future of our client’s organization.

If your happy place is somewhere between a lab bench, a flavor wheel, and a spark of culinary creativity - you’re going to love this one.

Our client, a globally respected flavor house with deep roots, rich heritage, and a passion for craftsmanship, is looking for a Food Technologist/Scientist to join their U.S. Applications team. This role blends hands‑on formulation, innovation, sensory science, and cross‑functional collaboration to bring new flavor experiences to life across North and Latin America.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of science and imagination, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves in the lab.

Why This Role Exists

You’ll be a key contributor to the company’s innovation pipeline by developing flavor applications, supporting customer projects, and ensuring technical excellence from concept through delivery. Your work directly influences product quality, customer satisfaction, and the global R&D strategy, no small task, but definitely a rewarding one.

What You’ll DoProduct Development & Application

• Create and optimize beverage and food prototypes using proprietary flavor systems.
• Lead hands‑on formulation and bench work (70–80% of your time).
• Evaluate ingredient functionality, feasibility, and cost considerations.
• Maintain strict adherence to GLP, documentation standards, and internal quality processes.

Sensory Evaluation & Technical Accuracy

• Conduct sensory panels and daily evaluations to assess flavor performance and stability.
• Maintain meticulous formulation, project, and sensory documentation.
• Prepare technical summaries and present recommendations to stakeholders.

Customer & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work with Sales, R&D, and Marketing to troubleshoot and adapt formulations for customer needs.
• Collaborate with global innovation teams for alignment and knowledge sharing.
• Prepare prototypes and support customer meetings with technical insights.

Trend Awareness & Innovation

• Track emerging food & beverage trends across the Americas.
• Explore new ingredients, technologies, and processes to fuel innovation.
• Participate in ideation sessions and contribute to global R&D initiatives.

Lab Operations, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain safe, clean, well‑organized lab spaces.
• Follow all GMP, safety, and environmental protocols.
• Support continuous improvement of lab processes and documentation systems.

What You Bring

• 3–5+ years in food, flavor, or beverage application development.
• Strong knowledge of flavor systems, beverage formulation, and processing technologies.
• Hands‑on sensory evaluation expertise.
• Excellent documentation, data analysis, and communication skills.
• Experience in global or cross‑cultural environments.
• Proficiency with formulation software, Excel, and relevant systems.
• Bilingual skills (English + Portuguese, Spanish, or French) strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

Education

• BS or MS in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
• Sensory, food safety, or GMP certifications are a plus.

Who You’ll Work With

You’ll collaborate closely with R&D, Commercial, Sales, Quality, Marketing, Operations, and global innovation teams, plus customers, suppliers, and co‑packers.

If you’re energized by experimentation, inspired by flavor, and motivated by technical excellence, this might be your next big move.

Diversity Commitment

At HR Soul, we embrace a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences within our workplace. We actively encourage applications from women, individuals of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, immigrants, and…