Research and Development Food Scientist

Who We Are

Fed Up Foods, one of the nation's early producers of kombucha through the Buchi brand and one of the largest functional beverage manufacturers in America, offers a diverse portfolio of organic private label functional beverages for top global retailers.

The Food Scientist will coordinate and create new products and enhance existing products while remaining aligned with the strategy, commitments, and goals of the organization. You will work directly with the Product Development team.

An ideal applicant will be highly skilled, consistently punctual, and enjoy working with a variety of individuals who share similar values and goals.

• Project manage the product development process from benchtop to commercialization.
• Create, refine, and mix recipes according to customer specifications and requests.
• Schedule and manage sensory evaluations and tasting panels.
• Coordinate shelf life studies and pilot batch production.
• Document, communicate, and track development progress and outcomes.
• Support food safety compliance including GMP and SQF policy adherence.
• Manage and organize incoming samples and sample analysis.
• Coordinate sensory evaluation of new ingredient samples.
• Maintain thorough documentation of batch and experiment records.
• Conduct testing and data analysis on prototypes.
• Draft product specifications and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain a running action plan for product development.
• Ensure formulation data and reports are securely controlled.
• Communicate internally and with clients on progress, timing, and change management.
• Assist in the review of product label changes.
• Maintain a clean and organized test kitchen and order supplies as needed.
• Schedule and brew pilot batches of varying scale.
• Stay current with trends, new products, flavors, and fermented beverages.
• Collaborate effectively with team members to complete projects on time.
• Receive cross-training on production flavoring duties as needed.

• Follow GMP policy and encourage compliance within the team.
• Understand SQF policies related to pest control, visitors, allergens, and sanitation.
• Demonstrate awareness of Management's Commitment to SQF and food safety.
• Report food quality or safety issues to the Quality Assurance Manager for CAPA review and resolution.

• Knowledge of ingredient functionality, sensory evaluation, and QA principles.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Bachelor's degree in food science required.
• 2+ years of R&D experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.

• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, push, pull, and walk on uneven surfaces occasionally.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and wet environments.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 30 pounds.

Agility
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Lifelong Learning
• Community
• Gratitude

• Health Insurance (80-90% of individual premium covered)
• Group Term Life Insurance (100% company-covered)
• Short-Term Disability (100% company-covered)
• Long-Term Disability (50% company-covered)
• Voluntary Dental, Vision, Life & Accident Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• 9 Paid Holidays
• PTO & Sick Time

We are committed to fair, equitable, and market-rate compensation. New hire offers are typically positioned around the market midpoint for the role (currently $68,900), with final compensation determined based on experience, scope of responsibility, and overall fit. Higher placement within the range is achieved over time through sustained impact and long-term contribution.

AKM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Please be advised that as part of our employment process, we conduct background checks on all prospective employees. This may include verification of your employment history, educational background, criminal record, and other relevant information.