Senior Food Scientist
About the role
The Senior Food Scientist will report directly to the Director, Food Science. This role leads product development initiatives and establishes operational objectives and work plans across the food science function. The Senior Food Scientist will drive new formulations and identify opportunities in our current food and future products, while also mentoring and developing a direct report. They will serve as a key resource to Customer Experience, Brand, Animal Healthcare, and Operations team for physical product and process information. This role will also require travel of up to 40%.
Responsibilities
- Create products based on ingredient functionality, nutritional targets, consumer need, claim substantiation, operational feasibility, and financial targets.
- Bring products from concept through commercialization.
- Design, execute, and document bench-top experiments to evaluate ingredient functionality, texture, palatability, nutritional density, and processing behavior; apply DOE principles to efficiently optimize formulations against nutritional targets, cost constraints, and consumer acceptance criteria.
- Maintain rigorous lab notebooks and experimental records that support regulatory submissions, IP filings, and internal knowledge management.
- Prepare, label, and ship product samples for internal evaluation, external sensory panels, analytical testing, and feeding trials, maintaining chain-of-custody documentation and cold-chain integrity throughout.
- Analyze data from plant trials, proximate and nutrient analyses, feeding trials, and shelf-life studies; and translate findings into clear conclusions, actionable recommendations.
- Author, own, and maintain ingredient, WIP, and finished product specifications; and manage version control through product life cycle changes.
- Proactively work with cross-functional team members in Manufacturing, Operations, Product, Animal Healthcare, and Customer Experience to drive alignment and execution.
- Cookbook and coordinate academic research partnerships.
Requirements
8+ years of experience in R&D or Product Development in the food manufacturing industry, with a demonstrated track record of taking products from concept to commercialization. Experience in companion animal or pet food product development strongly preferred; human food or animal nutrition backgrounds considered.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Animal Science, Food Science, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience managing or mentoring direct reports, with a track record of developing talent and driving team results.
- Direct, caring, and persuasive communication skills and ability to establish rapport easily with people on your cross-functional team and other key collaborators.
- Flexibility to commit to up to 40% travel, dependent on the event calendar and plant trials.
- Proficient knowledge of food formulation, food safety, and manufacturing.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment, naturally curious and proactive self-starter, constantly on the lookout for new opportunities and solutions.
- Skilled communicator with the ability to absorb and distill complexity into simple terms to drive decision making.
- Able to lift/move 50+ lbs.
- Loves dogs.
Skills
Direct, caring, and persuasive communication skills and ability to establish rapport easily with people on your cross-functional team and other key collaborators.
Benefits
Market-competitive compensation and equity packages
Comprehensive Healthcare, Dental, and Vision
Company supported mental health benefits
12 week paid parental leave
Competitive 401k plan with company match
Flexible PTO
Discounted fresh food for your pup
Pay
USD annual
The anticipated hiring base compensation range is $170,000—$185,000 USD.
Schedule
In-office culture, made of in-office people who thrive on the collaboration and magnetism of working in a shared space. We are seeking individuals who excel in this type of environment, where being present fosters deeper connections and engagement.