R&D Scientist - Oils & Fats Innovation

Make an Impact Where It Matters

At Fuji Vegetable Oil, we are not a typical manufacturing environment-we are a high-performance, innovation-driven organization where a small, specialized team delivers outsized impact.

We are seeking an experienced R&D Scientist who thrives in a hands-on lab setting, brings deep technical expertise, and is motivated by long-term career growth and meaningful contributions. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge oil processing technologies, directly influencing product quality, customer applications, and plant performance.

If you are looking for a role where your work is visible, valued, and drives real results-this is it.

Position Overview

The R&D Scientist plays a critical role at the intersection of research, production, and customer application. This position partners closely with Operations, Quality, and Commercial teams to advance product innovation, optimize processes, and solve complex technical challenges.

You will lead and execute lab-scale processing and experimentation, translate findings into plant-level improvements, and contribute to the development of next-generation oil-based solutions.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Design and execute laboratory-scale processing including interesterification, bleaching, and deodorization to simulate and optimize plant conditions
• Lead product and process development initiatives, from concept through implementation
• Translate lab findings into scalable, production-ready solutions

Cross-Functional Impact

• Partner with Operations to improve efficiency, yield, and process consistency
• Collaborate with Quality and Commercial teams to align product performance with customer needs
• Provide technical expertise to support customer inquiries, product performance, and troubleshooting

Continuous Improvement & Research

• Stay at the forefront of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes

• Identify and drive innovation opportunities in fats and oils processing
• Contribute to process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives across the plant

Data, Reporting & Knowledge Sharing

• Maintain accurate, detailed experimental records and documentation
• Develop and present technical reports, insights, and recommendations to leadership
• Provide training and technical guidance to ensure consistency in processes and standards

What Sets This Role Apart

• Small Team, High Visibility:
  Your work directly impacts plant performance and business outcomes
• Hands-On Science:
  Not a desk-only role-this is a true lab + plant integration position
• Cutting-Edge Processing:
  Work with advanced technologies in fats and oils innovation
• Long-Term Career Opportunity:
  Join a company known for stability, strong benefits, and employee retention
• Real Ownership:
  Opportunity to lead projects and influence decisions-not just execute tasks

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field required
• 5+ years of experience in an R&D, laboratory, or production environment strongly preferred
• Experience with fats and oils, food processing, or chemical processing highly preferred

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong understanding of processing technologies, lab methods, and scale-up principles

• Proven ability to solve complex technical problems and operate in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communicator with the ability to translate technical concepts across audiences
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and professional growth

Work Environment &

Physical Requirements

This role operates across laboratory, plant, and office environments, requiring a high level of engagement with both technical equipment and production teams.

• Regular standing, walking, and hands-on lab work
• Occasional climbing (including elevated areas), bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.)
• Exposure to standard industrial and laboratory conditions, including chemicals and moderate noise levels

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Why Fuji Vegetable Oil

• Industry leader in high-quality, specialty oil production
• Strong employee value proposition including competitive compensation and robust benefits
• Culture built on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Proven track record of stability and long-term career growth

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fuji Vegetable Oil, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any legally protected basis.