Senior Food Scientist

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Food Scientist to lead cutting-edge food and beverage innovation projects. This position is ideal for a technically advanced professional with deep expertise in materials science, animal protein systems, and process engineering, including snack food extrusion and confectionery development. You will be instrumental in driving new product development from concept to commercialization while ensuring scientific excellence, sustainability, and consumer appeal. This is a key technical leadership role for someone passionate about creating the next generation of food products.

Responsibilities:

Lead formulation, development, and scale-up of innovative food and beverage products, focusing on animal protein and ingredient functionality

Serve as a subject matter expert in materials science, food structure, and process engineering

Design and execute complex experiments, conduct data analysis, and apply scientific principles to improve product performance and scalability

Manage multiple R&D projects with cross-functional teams, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met

Drive product innovation aligned with strategic goals, emphasizing taste, nutrition, sustainability, and manufacturability

Conduct competitive benchmarking and sensory evaluations to guide product direction

Oversee technical documentation, formulation records, and regulatory compliance

Mentor junior scientists and support a culture of collaboration and continuous learning

Qualifications:

Masters or Ph.D. in Food Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

812 years of experience in food product development, preferably with animal protein and advanced processing experience

Deep understanding of food ingredient functionality, including proteins, hydrocolloids, starches, and emulsifiers

Proven track record of managing R&D projects from ideation through commercialization

Hands-on experience with pilot plant equipment and lab-scale food processing

Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills

Experience working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

Desired Qualifications:

Specialized expertise in snack food extrusion, confectionery science, or high-moisture protein systems

Prior experience leading technical teams or external innovation partnerships

Strong knowledge of food safety standards, shelf-life testing, and sensory science

Ability to translate consumer insights and trends into product development strategies

Familiarity with regulatory compliance in food labeling and claims

Full-time