Senior Scientist, R&D

About the role

The Senior Applications Scientist is responsible for bringing new coffee extracts, concentrates, and ready-to-drink beverages from concept to commercialization, as well as supporting cost savings and product improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop prototypes from concept to commercialization, effectively documenting all ingredients, formulations, and processing directions.
• Stay current on new technologies and trends in the food industry.
• Organize and manage multiple projects to ensure a timely, quality technical solution.
• Work with outside labs, suppliers, and consultants as needed for project execution.
• Track and evaluate team performance through metrics and provide regular feedback and coaching.
• Apply DOE (design of experiments) methodology to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Conduct shelf-life stability trials to document changes in sensory and analytical properties that limit product shelf-life.
• Investigate properties of current and new ingredients, their interactions, and the effects on final products.
• Provide cross-functional support for productivity and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Effectively communicate technical information to a non-technical audience (internal and external stakeholders).
• Interact directly with Commercial Team and customers as a subject matter expert in Finlay ingredients.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree: Preferably in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 5 years in a food science/research field.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and manage a research team effectively.
• Food R&D Skills: Familiarity with developing prototypes and operating within HACCP, GMP and other food safety guidelines.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Office and various laboratory equipment.
• Flexibility: Willingness to travel as needed.