Scientist - Health&Wellness Applications

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides applications lab support to the Flavor Applications Lab through hands-on product development.
• Ensures successful completion of all assigned projects, keeping relevant parties informed of project status.
• Develops product concepts to demonstrate flavor creation innovation that supports customer requests and market trends.
• Evaluates flavors, creates new flavor blends, and makes recommendations to meet project requirements.
• Participates in sensory evaluations of own and other projects.
• Active participation in taste panels as appropriate.
• Participates in supplemental tastings of products as needed.
• Interfaces effectively with diverse groups such as Flavor Chemistry, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Sales, Business Unit Management, and Finance.
• Travels to customer meetings and industry trade shows to represent Virginia Dare Applications.
• Fulfills all site safety and GLP practices.
• Maintains a safe, neat, and organized work area.
• Adheres to Virginia Dare policies and procedures.
• Contributes to the overall operation of the Virginia Dare Applications lab.

Skills & Experience

• Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Engineering.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in R&D, experience working with supplement gummies required, preferably on a pilot and production scale.
• Product Areas: Experience with aseptically processed RTD protein drinks and shakes, RTM protein shakes, fortified nutritional bars, fortified bakery items, supplement chews and stick packs, pharmaceutical tablets and OTC medications.
• Lab Practices: Proficient in general lab practices.
• Taste and Smell: Ability to taste and smell chemicals, flavors, and food products.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills.
• Results: Ability to deliver accurate results within short deadlines with limited direction and supervision.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Critical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills.
• Innovation: Demonstrated creativity and innovative ideas for new flavor types.
• Pilot Plant Equipment: Hands-on experience with pilot plant equipment (Microthermics unit or equivalent, ice cream manufacturing) is a plus.