Principal Scientist – Food Innovation

Pay Rate Low: 120000 | Pay Rate High: 150000 Pay Rate Low: 100000 | Pay Rate High: 120000 Principal Scientist – Food Enzymes Location: Greater Chicago Area Direct Hire Up to $150K Our client is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead R&D initiatives focused on enzyme technologies and food applications. This is a hands-on scientific leadership role responsible for developing innovative ingredient solutions, supporting product commercialization, and serving as a technical subject matter expert. Key Responsibilities Lead R&D programs focused on enzyme-based food applications and innovative product developmentExecute hands-on laboratory research and bench-scale experimentation, with approximately 75% of the role spent in the labDesign and execute experiments, formulation studies, and product development projects from concept through commercializationDevelop novel enzyme blends and food applications designed to support revenue growth and market expansionConduct laboratory and pilot-scale trials with internal teams, customers, co-packers, and external research partnersIdentify new product opportunities through customer engagement, market research, industry trends, and conferencesPartner with Sales and Marketing as a technical resource to support customer projects, business development, and technical marketing initiativesProvide technical expertise and support to existing and prospective customersLead high-level technical presentations for internal stakeholders, customers, and industry conferencesCollaborate with universities, food research institutes, and external R&D organizations on joint innovation initiativesContribute technical data and scientific research to support intellectual property and patent developmentSupervise, mentor, and develop laboratory personnel and multidisciplinary scientific teamsOversee laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, safety, 5S practices, and quality standardsMaintain accurate laboratory documentation and ensure compliance with GMP, SQF, food safety, and corporate quality requirementsCollaborate with global R&D teams to share scientific insights and support consistent research initiatives Qualifications PhD in Food Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline (MS with significant industry R&D leadership experience may be considered)3+ years of progressive R&D experience in food, enzymes, or applied biotechnologyStrong knowledge of enzyme functionality and applications within food systemsExperience with industrial enzyme applications strongly preferredProven experience developing and commercializing food products, ingredient technologies, or enzyme-based applicationsHands-on laboratory research and experimental design experienceExperience with analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, spectrophotometry, or chromatographyExperience leading, mentoring, or supervising scientific personnel preferredExperience with customer-facing technical support, presentations, or cross-functional R&D projects preferredStrong scientific reasoning, problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities while balancing hands-on laboratory research with strategic and administrative responsibilities This job description is a complete list of all desired skills, but not all are required. We strongly encourage candidates who have some of the skills to apply. We look forward to a conversation to learn more about you! INDBH