Senior Research & Development Scientist - Dairy

Senior Research & Development Scientist – Dairy

The Senior Research & Development Scientist – Dairy is responsible for leading and executing research initiatives focused on dairy-based ingredients, enzyme hydrolysis, and flavor development. This role requires a strong scientific foundation in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related discipline, along with excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to collaborate cross‑functionally to drive innovation and process improvements.

Key responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, performing analytical and instrumental testing, and interpreting data to support product development efforts from concept through scale‑up and commercialization.

• Design and execute laboratory experiments, including enzyme hydrolysis, analytical testing, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
• Develop and optimize dairy‑based ingredient formulations using enzymes, flavor systems, and other functional components.
• Establish and refine analytical methods to evaluate product stability, functionality, and quality.
• Prepare nutritional labeling and product specifications while ensuring compliance with food regulations.
• Evaluate new technologies and process improvements related to enzyme hydrolysis, spray drying, and ingredient performance.
• Provide technical expertise in dairy ingredient applications and analytical methods.
• Maintain detailed project documentation, including batch records, test results, and reports.
• Conduct sensory evaluations to assess flavor, texture, and overall performance.
• Stay current on industry trends, scientific advancements, and regulatory changes.
• Apply knowledge of ingredient functionality to support troubleshooting and formulation optimization.
• Partner with R&D leadership on strategic initiatives and product development.
• Collaborate with QA to support testing, troubleshooting, and compliance.
• Communicate results and recommendations to cross‑functional teams.
• Support scale‑up efforts through formulation refinement and process optimization.
• Oversee and mentor the R&D Lab Assistant to ensure efficient lab operations.
• Maintain an organized lab environment, including inventory and equipment calibration.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and regulatory standards (FDA, FSMA, GFSI).

Salary

$110,000 - $130,000 + Bonus

Benefits Available

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field required. An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) is preferred but not required.
• Experience:
  
  4+ years of relevant industry experience preferred.
• Strong background in biotechnology, enzyme hydrolysis, or food science is required; experience with spray drying is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing analytical testing methods using scientific literature and available laboratory equipment, with a preference for hands‑on expertise.
• Excellent problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a cross‑functional, multidisciplinary team.
• Proven ability to initiate and manage R&D projects from concept through execution.

If you'd like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Mike Ribando at

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