Sr Scientist - Product Innovation

Our client is a leading manufacturer specializing in the creation of high-quality ingredients and custom formulations for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Their team is now looking for a Senior Scientist of Product Innovation.

Salary/Hourly Rate:

$110k - $120k

Position Overview:

This Senior Scientist of Product Innovation role offers the opportunity to lead technical innovation, manage cross-functional collaboration, and bring new beverage formulations from concept to commercialization. The ideal Senior Scientist of Product Innovation must have strong knowledge of dairy/plant-based beverage processes.

Responsibilities of the Senior Scientist of Product Innovation:

• Lead product development of dairy and plant-based beverages, from concept through commercialization, ensuring products meet taste, texture, quality, and cost goals.
• Formulate and scale beverage recipes using innovative flavors, functional ingredients, and processing techniques.
• Troubleshoot and test formulations through bench testing, stability trials, and sensory evaluations to ensure performance and compliance.
• Mentor and train junior scientists and technicians imparting technical expertise and best practices.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, quality, regulatory, and commercial teams to align goals and meet project deadlines.
• Vet and qualify ingredients, including new or alternative materials, for use in finished products.
• Maintain lab operations, including equipment, supplies, and documentation, in accordance with safety and quality standards.
• Support scale-up efforts at pilot and production levels, with occasional domestic and international travel.

Required Experience/Skills for the Senior Scientist of Product Innovation:

• 10+ years of product development experience in the food and beverage industry, ideally in a formulation-focused or protein beverage environment.
• Strong understanding of food science principles, beverage processing techniques, and functional ingredient interactions.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), regulatory guidelines, and food safety standards.
• Experience leading and mentoring junior technical staff.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field required.
• Master's degree is preferred.

Benefits:

• Medical.
• Dental.
• Vision.
• PTO.
• 401(k) match.