Sr. R&D Food Scientist

The Senior R&D Food Scientist will lead and execute research and development projects focused on dairy-based ingredients, enzyme hydrolysis, and flavor formulation. This role combines hands-on laboratory work with experimental design, analytical testing, and data interpretation to support product development from concept through scale-up and commercialization. The position requires a strong scientific foundation in food science or related disciplines, excellent problem-solving abilities, and effective cross-functional collaboration. While not a formal managerial role, the Senior Scientist will oversee an R&D Lab Assistant to ensure efficient laboratory operations and high-quality experimental support.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects focused on dairy-based ingredients, enzyme hydrolysis, and flavor formulation from concept through completion.
• Design, plan, and conduct laboratory experiments to develop and optimize new products and processes.
• Perform instrumental and analytical testing, including titration, pH testing, and other quality control and quality assurance analyses.
• Interpret experimental data, draw sound scientific conclusions, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for product development and process improvements.
• Support product development initiatives for pilot-scale and full-scale manufacturing, including participation in scale-up and commercialization activities.
• Develop and optimize analytical testing methods based on scientific literature and the capabilities of available laboratory equipment.
• Apply knowledge of biology, microbiology, and food science to ensure product quality, safety, and performance.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams to drive innovation and continuous improvement in products and processes.
• Oversee and guide the work of the R&D Lab Assistant to ensure efficient laboratory operations, proper experimental support, and adherence to laboratory procedures.
• Maintain accurate and organized experimental records, reports, and documentation using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Contribute to inspection, quality assurance, and quality control activities as they relate to R&D projects and new product introductions.
• Initiate and manage new R&D projects, including defining objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Stay current with scientific and technical developments in food science, biotechnology, enzyme technology, and related fields to inform project work.
• Support and, where appropriate, collaborate with culinary and culinary science functions to align product attributes with desired sensory and functional outcomes.

• Bachelors degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 35 years of experience in a related field, preferably in food science, biotechnology, or enzyme-based product development.
• Extensive experience in biotechnology, enzyme hydrolysis, or food science.
• Hands-on experience in developing and optimizing analytical testing methods based on scientific literature and available laboratory equipment.
• Strong foundation in biology, microbiology, and food science principles relevant to dairy-based ingredients and flavor formulation.
• Proficiency in quality control and quality assurance practices, including titration, pH testing, inspection, and related analytical techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and interpret laboratory experiments and translate results into practical product and process solutions.
• Proven track record of initiating and managing new R&D projects.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation, data analysis, and reporting.

• Masters degree or Ph.D. in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field is a plus but not required.
• Experience with spray drying is a plus but not mandatory.
• Exposure to or collaboration with culinary or culinary science teams is beneficial.
• Experience working in a growing organization with expanding product lines is advantageous.
• Interest in contributing to the design and setup of new laboratory facilities as the organization expands.

This role is primarily laboratory-based within a research and development environment focused on dairy-based ingredients and enzyme-driven processes. You will work with analytical and instrumental testing equipment to perform titration, pH testing, microbiological assessments, and other quality control and quality assurance procedures. The position involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including product development, quality, and potentially culinary functions, to support innovation and commercialization efforts. The organization is growing and expanding its product lines, and there are plans to build a new laboratory facility nearby, offering opportunities to contribute to a modern, evolving R&D environment and to grow professionally as the company promotes from within.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Racine, WI.

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $38.46/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Racine,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions.We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives throughaccess to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market.With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S.,Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email ... for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.