Food Scientist

Location: Hybrid in Alsip, IL (3-4 days per week in office)

About the Role

Griffith Foods is hiring a Food Scientist to support raw material technical excellence through execution of Griffith Performance Excellence (GPE) projects, formula optimization, local supply chain support, and supplier technical engagement. This role involves leading cross-functional projects with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to review and validate raw materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evaluate the suitability of alternate/secondary supply raw materials in execution of the GPE raw material strategy and raw material emergencies.
• Perform organoleptic analysis of raw materials and end-use applications; must be able to consume and taste animal protein products and allergens (e.g., wheat, dairy, egg).
• Support Supply Chain raw material initiatives, including emergency projects, hold resolution, and at-risk inventory evaluation.
• Design, plan, and execute experiments and projects related to alternative suppliers, SKU consolidation, and raw material optimization.
• Address document review and specification management in collaboration with Quality Systems (QS) and Regulatory Teams.
• Collaborate with Commercial Team Scientists, Sensory Scientists, and Analytical Scientists to plan, prioritize, and execute finished product validation.
• Communicate extensively with suppliers, the purchasing team, and the GPE team throughout project progress.
• Apply scientific and engineering principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and food utilization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical/Biological Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Research & Development or 5 years in Quality Systems within the food industry.
• Ability to consume and taste meat, poultry, seafood, and products containing allergens (e.g., wheat, dairy, egg).
• Willingness and ability to work onsite in Alsip, IL 3-4 days per week.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 10%.
• Must reside within a commutable distance of Alsip, IL.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Culinary experience or certifications.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Health Advocacy.
• Financial Planning and Parental Leave.
• Care.com, Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance.
• Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement.
• Safety Reimbursement and Lifestyle Spending Account.
• Group Life & AD&D, Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Short Term & Long Term Disability.
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), holidays, and leaves.
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance.
• Home & Auto Insurance, Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection.
• Long Term Care + Life Insurance & Legal Assistance.

Pay

$80,000 - $100,000 per year