Job Title: Food Scientist
Job Description

Job Summary: The R&D Food Scientist will be responsible for developing and improving new and existing products in the sauces and salad dressings category. This role involves conducting research, formulating new recipes, and ensuring products meet food safety, quality standards, and legal requirements. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of sauces and dressings and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

ResponsibilitiesConduct R&D activities from concept through first production, meeting deadlines and project/product parameters.Partner with Marketing and Sales to identify and develop new product platforms and improvements that delight customers and support business strategies.Source raw ingredients and specifications that meet company standards.Develop formulas, processing specifications, and costing for new product prototypes.Develop tests to ensure products meet food safety, quality standards, and legal requirements.Enter new formulas, instructions, specifications, and make changes accurately in the ERP system.Support new product launch to plant startup until quality standards are established.Provide sales samples of new products as requested by Sales and Marketing.Set up sensory panels to evaluate new products or existing products.Conduct shelf-life tests on new products.Generate nutritional data, ensuring compliance with regulatory nutritional and label compliance.Provide technical support to QC, purchasing, and production, including ingredient reviews and troubleshooting.Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through reformulation.Essential SkillsBachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.3+ years of experience in R&D, preferably in sauces and salad dressings.Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP, and GMPs.Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.Proficiency in using R&D software and ERP systems.Additional Skills & QualificationsMaster's degree in Food Science or a related field.Experience with sensory evaluation and shelf-life testing.Knowledge of nutritional labeling and regulatory compliance.Work Environment

This position involves working in a laboratory setting with occasional field and factory visits. The ability to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds is required. The role requires working 8-hour shifts and being available for calls after hours and during weekends.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $850000.00 - $950000.00/yr.

Company Benefits:

Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to ensure the well-being of our employees and their families.
Retirement Plans: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match to help employees save for their future.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid time off policies including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support work-life balance.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for remote work, flexible hours, and hybrid work models to accommodate different lifestyles and needs.
Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives such as fitness memberships, health screenings, and mental health resources.
Parental Leave: Paid parental leave for new parents to bond with their children and support family life.
Employee Discounts: Discounts on company products and services, as well as partnerships with local businesses.
Life and Disability Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage to provide financial security.
Relocation Assistance: Support for employees who need to relocate for their job, including moving expenses and housing assistance.
Bonuses and Incentives: Performance-based bonuses and incentive programs to reward and recognize employee contributions.
Diversity and Inclusion: Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hazelwood,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 28, 2025.

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 through access 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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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