Senior Scientist, R&D

JOB TITLE: Senior Research and Development Scientist

DEPARTMENT: Research and Development

REPORTS TO: Director of Research and Development

LOCATION: San Antonio, TX
-or
- Lincoln, RI

HOURS / SHIFT: 1st Shift - Flexible

Since 1750, Finlays Solutions has been the trusted leader in supplying tea, coffee, and botanical extracts to the world’s leading beverage brands. Focused on delivering exceptional beverage solutions, we empower our customers to create moments of joy with every sip. Our team is built on values of acting for the long‑term, taking accountability, doing better each time, and succeeding together. When you join us, you're not just taking on a job;

you're becoming part of a customer‑centric culture driven by collaboration, expertise, and innovation. If you're looking for a place to grow, share your ideas, and make an impact, we’d love to have you on our team.

The Senior Applications Scientist is responsible for bringing new coffee extracts, concentrates, and ready‑to‑drink beverages from concept to commercialization, as well as supporting cost savings and product improvement projects. This hands‑on role would work with cross‑functional partners internally and interacting directly with customers to deliver innovative, scalable solutions, with speed to market execution that is handled in accordance with Finlay’s mission, business philosophy, ethics, and goals.

• Development:
  Develop prototypes from concept to commercialization, effectively documenting all ingredients, formulations, and processing directions. Stay current on new technologies and trends in the food industry
• Project Management:
  Organize and manage multiple projects to ensure a timely, quality technical solution. Work with outside labs, suppliers, and consultants as needed for project execution.
• Research:
  Track and evaluate team performance through metrics and provide regular feedback and coaching. Apply DOE (design of experiments) methodology to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Testing:
  Conduct shelf‑life stability trials to document changes in sensory and analytical properties that limit product shelf‑life. Investigate properties of current and new ingredients, their interactions, and the effects on final products.
• Process Improvement:
  Work with outside labs, suppliers, and consultants as needed for project execution. Provide cross‑functional support for productivity and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaboration:
  
  Effectively communicate technical information to a non‑technical audience (internal and external stakeholders). Interact directly with Commercial Team and customers as a subject matter expert in Finlay ingredients
• Travel:
  Travel as necessary to various Finlays Solutions facilities, customer locations, and trade shows.

• Bachelor’s Degree:
  Preferably in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  At least 5 years in a food science/research field
• Leadership
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to lead and manage a research team effectively
• Food R&D
  
  Skills:
  
  Familiarity with developing prototypes and operating within HACCP, GMP and other food safety guidelines
• Technical Proficiency:
  Familiarity with Microsoft Office and various laboratory equipment
• Flexibility:
  Willingness to travel as needed

• Laboratory Setting:
  The role is primarily based in a laboratory setting, and frequent interactions with office and production settings
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Frequent interaction with team members and other departments, requiring effective communication and collaboration.
• Noise Level: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, with some loud noises.
• Mobility:
  Required to stand and sit for extended periods, required to walk and perform repetitive motions throughout shift
• Lifting:
  Ability to lift 30lbs regularly

• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.
• Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain…