Food Scientist

JOB SUMMARY
The Food Scientist works alongside the product development team on the research, development, and commercialization of our novel shelf-stable food products. The position leads formulation and process optimization on benchtop and pilot systems at the company’s pilot production facility. The role requires an inquisitive, first principles approach and cross department collaboration with the operations, engineering, and food safety teams to develop never-before-possible food products with global implications.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• We develop novel food products that are scalable, commercially viable, contribute to core technical insights, and complement the development timelines and objectives of the organization.
• You efficiently guide commercialization projects from concept and development through pilot production using hands-on leadership, professional communication, and a robust technical framework and industry background.
• You approach your work with enthusiasm, creativity, and intellectual flexibility with a willingness to collaborate in strategic conversations and execute hands-on, granular projects.
• Our pilot facility and lab are organized, safe, and efficient.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• An MS in Food Science or a related discipline is required; a PhD in Food Science is preferred.
• At least 2-3 years of related food product development experience and at least 5 years of related laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated technical and scientific experience in multi-faceted food, process, and packaging projects.
• Demonstrated project management, communication, and planning skills particularly with multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities.
• Experience managing projects from benchtop to commercialization preferred.
• Knowledge of HACCP and current GMPs in food production.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be resourceful, communicative, and open-minded, adopting a beginner’s mindset to learn and expand upon the attributes of food production using supercritical CO2.
• Assist the product development team to plan research, development, and commercialization of new food products by applying principles of food chemistry, ingredient utilization, processing, packaging, and sensory analysis.
• Lead product and process design improvements from conceptualization to pilot production, collaborating with internal departments as needed.
• Design and execute experiments following rigorous scientific methods including comprehensive, timely documentation of protocols, materials, data collection, and results.
• Actively participate in company-wide communication of department results and progress, development plan timeline and budget updates, and strategy discussions for coordination, needs, and ideas.
• Analyze products using sensory methods and analytical measurements; conduct shelf-life testing and statistical trend analysis and chemical reaction kinetics.
• Operate benchtop supercritical CO2 processing systems and data logging equipment as needed.
• Coordinate and guide communication for external analytical testing services and with consultants; lead raw material selection, ordering, and documentation for benchtop and pilot plant trials.
• Operate safely in the laboratory and production facility, following all relevant OSHA standards and Operations SOPs; maintain high standards of sanitation and organization; assist with sanitation of pilot plant equipment as needed.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to wear all PPE as required by us.
• Ability to stand, walk, squat, and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to push and lift items up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion movements with upper extremities.

COMPENSATION AND POSITION DETAILS:

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. Compensation commensurate with experience. We are an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates must have valid work authorization and be able to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Rochester, NY 14604 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person