Food Scientist

Applications Food Scientist

The Applications Food Scientist develops and applies technical expertise in food science to support internal teams and external customers by creating, testing, and documenting product applications and formulations. This role focuses on understanding product functionality, performing bench-top experiments, and generating accurate technical documentation that showcases ingredients and supports sales, brokers, and distributors. The position operates within established food safety and quality standards while contributing to a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop strong technical expertise in the company's products, standard demonstrations, and applications directory while adhering to all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and good manufacturing practices (GMPs).
• Complete assigned projects and tasks by established due dates, delivering clear, accurate, and correct results.
• Perform daily bench-top laboratory duties, including preparation, testing, and evaluation of food and beverage formulations.
• Document and record detailed project results, including products used, dates, number of trials, and outcomes, whether favorable or serving as learning opportunities.
• Prepare and provide a monthly synopsis of projects, summarizing key findings, trends, and next steps.
• Assist in and actively participate in weekly tastings, documenting all sensory findings and observations.
• Create accurate batch sheets for review, ensuring all formulations and procedures are clearly and correctly specified.
• Maintain a proactive, clean, organized, and safe working environment in accordance with food safety and quality standards.
• Assist in introductory presentations, open houses, and training seminars for customers, brokers, and distributors to demonstrate product applications and benefits.
• Accompany Applications team members on domestic travel as needed to support customer visits, demonstrations, and technical discussions.
• Work under the guidance of the Applications Manager to gain a deep understanding of products, usage, and application development.
• Develop new formulations and applications that effectively showcase ingredients in support of sales divisions, customers, brokers, and distributors.
• Operate within FDA, FSMA, and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) requirements to ensure food safety standards are consistently met in laboratory and office activities.

Essential Skills

• Degree in food science or a related field of study.
• Technical experience and a demonstrated track record of accomplishments in the applications or related food industry.
• Knowledge of biology and microbiology as applied to food science and product development.
• Proficiency in titration, pH testing, and other analytical techniques relevant to food applications.
• Experience with quality control and quality assurance practices in a food or laboratory environment.
• Ability to perform inspection and evaluation of products and formulations for quality and consistency.
• Strong oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing.
• Problem-solving ability, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving work-related issues.
• High level of accountability, with the ability to accept responsibility and account for actions and results.
• Commitment to customer satisfaction and teamwork within a collaborative environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working within FDA, FSMA, and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) frameworks or similar food safety standards.
• Familiarity with good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a food or laboratory setting.
• Experience participating in or leading product tastings and sensory evaluations.
• Comfort presenting technical information in introductory presentations, open houses, and training seminars.
• Ability to travel domestically with Applications team members to support customer-facing activities.
• Interest in growing with a company that promotes from within and is expanding its product lines and laboratory capabilities.

Work Environment

This is a first-shift position with standard hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Applications Food Scientist works primarily in a laboratory and office environment under the guidance of an Applications Manager, focusing on product understanding, usage, and application development. The role supports sales divisions, customers, brokers, and distributors by creating and showcasing new formulations. Work is conducted in compliance with FDA, FSMA, and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) requirements, as well as defined risk levels by area, to ensure safe production and handling of food in both plant and office settings.

The environment emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and safety, with an expectation of maintaining a well-ordered lab space. The organization promotes internal…