Associate Scientist - Food Chemistry

About the Role

Kemin Industries Food Technologies business unit is seeking an Associate Scientist to join our team of experienced researchers and help strengthen the chemistry foundation behind our ingredient-innovation initiatives. This role focuses on developing new ingredients, establishing SOPs, creating analytical methods and food models, and applying instrumental and organic chemistry to identify functional molecules, with an emphasis on natural sources. The ideal candidate will balance scientific rigor with creativity, connecting deep molecular understanding to practical, commercially viable solutions. Working alongside microbiology and application scientists, this individual will anchor the team with chemistry expertise and help drive clean-label, affordable ingredient innovation.

About Kemin

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet's natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain. We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines. We employ 3,500 global employees and operate in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute chemical assays and food model testing for ingredient evaluation.
• Independently conduct innovative scientific experiments and translate research into practical applications.
• Perform pilot-plant operations to support process scale-up and optimization.
• Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries that are incorporated into strategy.
• Identify and deliver commercially viable solutions to customers.
• Communicate effectively and display cross-functional collaboration to drive successful product commercialization.
• Reliably and consistently deliver high-quality data and reports on time.
• Independently develop and review SOPs, research protocols, and research methods; design safety procedures.
• Independently perform advanced data analysis and review others' data to provide input and insight.
• Independently collect, interpret, and document research data.
• Generate scientific publications for internal and external publication, with guidance and review.
• Prepare and present data analytics and research in multiple formats both internally and externally.
• Review internal publications across Kemin.
• Identify and participate in external research collaborations.
• Contribute to the strategic planning process and customer meetings.
• Provide instruction and training to interns and junior staff.

Qualifications

• Master's in Food Science, Chemistry, or Biochemistry with 3+ years of relevant industrial experience, or a PhD with 0-3 years of experience.
• Ability to work independently or on a team in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Solid knowledge foundation in food chemistry (especially polyphenols, phytochemicals, colorants, etc.) and hands-on lab experience in food and chemical analysis.
• Strong understanding of food ingredient functionalities, interactions, and core food-processing principles.
• Excellent scientific skills in experiment design and data collection; ability to maintain instruments.
• Detail-oriented, organized, with strong prioritization skills and motivated by accomplishment.
• Ability to understand and perform advanced statistical analysis.
• Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• Fluent in English with excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to present ideas effectively.
• Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).

Benefits

• Competitive Financial Package: Rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Opportunities for growth and development throughout your career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: In-house learning platforms with thousands of training resources (live and online) and tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.