Scientist - Health & Wellness Applications

Duties & Responsibilities

• Keep relevant parties informed of project status.
• Develop product concepts to demonstrate flavor creation innovation.
• Create new flavor blends and make recommendations to satisfy project requirements.
• Participate in the sensory evaluation of own and other’s projects.
• Active participation in taste panels where appropriate.
• Participate in all supplemental tastings of products as needed.
• Interface with such diverse groups as Flavor Chemistry, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Sales Business Unit Management, and Finance.
• Travel to customer meetings and industry trade shows to represent Virginia Dare Applications.
• Follows all site safety and GLP practices.
• Maintain work area in a safe, neat and organized manner.
• Contributes to the overall process of running the Virginia Dare Applications lab.

Skills & Experience Required

• Education: BS, MS or PhD in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in R&D, experience working with supplement gummies is required, preferably on a pilot and production scale.
• Experience working with the following product areas a plus: aseptically processed, ready to drink (RTD) protein drinks and shakes, RTM (ready to mix) protein shakes, fortified nutritional bars, fortified bakery items, supplement chews and stick packs, pharmaceutical tablets and OTC medications.
• Proficient in general lab practices.
• Proficient in applying and evaluating flavors in products.
• Able to taste and smell chemicals, flavors and food products.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Able to deliver accurate results within short deadlines with limited direction and supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate creativity and innovative ideas for new flavor types.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant equipment is a plus (Microthermics unit or equivalent, ice cream manufacturing).