Senior Research & Development Scientist - Dairy

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory experiments, including enzyme hydrolysis, analytical testing, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
• Develop and optimize dairy-based ingredient formulations using enzymes, flavor systems, and other functional components.
• Establish and refine analytical methods to evaluate product stability, functionality, and quality.
• Prepare nutritional labeling and product specifications while ensuring compliance with food regulations.
• Evaluate new technologies and process improvements related to enzyme hydrolysis, spray drying, and ingredient performance.
• Provide technical expertise in dairy ingredient applications and analytical methods.
• Maintain detailed project documentation, including batch records, test results, and reports.
• Conduct sensory evaluations to assess flavor, texture, and overall performance.
• Stay current on industry trends, scientific advancements, and regulatory changes.
• Apply knowledge of ingredient functionality to support troubleshooting and formulation optimization.
• Partner with R&D leadership on strategic initiatives and product development.
• Collaborate with QA to support testing, troubleshooting, and compliance.
• Communicate results and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Support scale-up efforts through formulation refinement and process optimization.
• Oversee and mentor the R&D Lab Assistant to ensure efficient lab operations.
• Maintain an organized lab environment, including inventory and equipment calibration.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and regulatory standards (FDA, FSMA, GFSI).

Requirements / Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field required. An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) is preferred but not required.
• Experience: 4+ years of relevant industry experience preferred.
• Strong background in biotechnology, enzyme hydrolysis, or food science is required; experience with spray drying is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing analytical testing methods using scientific literature and available laboratory equipment, with a preference for hands-on expertise.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a cross-functional, multidisciplinary team.
• Proven ability to initiate and manage R&D projects from concept through execution.

Pay

$110,000 - $130,000 + Bonus

Benefits Available

Not specified