Sr Scientist CD&D Dairy/Savory Color - Erlanger, KY or New Berlin, WI
About the role
The CD&D Colors Application Scientist (Dairy & Savory) serves as a technical subject matter expert in color application across dairy and savory seasoning systems, delivering innovative, scalable solutions that meet evolving regulatory, consumer and customer demands. This role focuses on natural color performance across dairy and seasoning platforms (i.e. yogurt, cheese, ice cream, sauces, dry blends and snack seasonings), translating color science into robust, commercially viable applications. The ideal candidate combines expertise in dairy and savory formulation and processing with deep knowledge of color chemistry to address stability, shade, and performance challenges in emulsion, fat-based, and dry particulate systems.
Responsibilities
Design and execute experiments evaluating color performance in dairy and seasoning systems (emulsions, fat-based systems, dry blends, coatings).
Assess color stability under critical conditions, including:
- pH variation (fermented vs. neutral dairy systems)
- Thermal processing (pasteurization, UHT, cooking)
- Light exposure and oxidation (especially in dairy matrices)
- Safe-life and moisture migration in dry seasoning systems
Evaluate color interactions with ingredients such as proteins, fats, stabilizers, salts, spices and carriers
Generate actionable technical insights to guide formulation recommendations and optimize performance
Act as the go-to expert for dairy and savory/seasoning color applications across CD&D and commercial teams
Lead troubleshooting for complex challenges, including:
- Color instability in emulsions and fat-based systems
- Shade variability due to fermentation or processing conditions
- Dispersion challenges in dry seasoning and coating systems
Develop and maintain best practices and application guidelines for internal and external stakeholders
Partner directly with customers’ R&D teams to deliver Concept-through-Commercialization support, particularly in transitioning to Natural Colors
Translate technical findings into clear, concise customer-ready recommendations
Support customer engagements, including pilot and plant trials, lab work and technical presentations
Enable commercial success through fit-for-purpose color solutions that meet cost, performance and regulatory needs
Identify gaps and emerging needs in the dairy & savory seasoning color portfolio (i.e. clean label, stable reds for dairy, dispersion-ready powders, etc.)
Collaborate with Color and Product Development teams to:
- Develop new dairy- and seasoning-ready color solutions
- Enhance stability in demanding conditions (i.e. emulsions, high-fat, dry particulate systems, etc)
- Contribute to innovation pipelines aligned to key trends and customer needs (i.e. protein-forward dairy, savory snacks, clean label seasonings, etc)
Work closely with internal CD&D, Regulatory, Marketing and Commercial teams to ensure alignment between technical abilities and commercial strategy
Contribute to the development of technical training materials and best-practice guides for color use
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or higher in Food Science, Chemistry or related field.
5–10+ years in food applications, with strong focus on dairy and/or savory/seasoning systems.
Demonstrated expertise in color application, stability and troubleshooting.
Experience with natural colors and FD&C replacement strategies strongly preferred.
Deep knowledge of:
- Dairy and savory formulation and processing technologies
- Color chemistry and stability principles in emulsions, fat systems and dry applications
- Ingredient interactions in complex systems (i.e. protein-forward, fat-based, dry blends, etc)
Hands-on experience with:
- Bench and pilot-scale baking and/or extrusion systems
- Analytical and sensory evaluation of color performance
Key Competencies
Strong problem-solving and experimental design capability
Customer-facing communication skills (executive and technical audiences)
Ability to translate technical insights into commercial impact
Collaborative mindset across global teams
Success Profile
Recognized internally and externally as a dairy &/or savory color expert
Drives high win rates through technically differentiated solutions
Accelerates customer conversions to natural colors
Demonstrates strong linkage between technical delivery and revenue generation
Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
Pay Range
$125,600.00 - $185,000.00
Benefits and Perks
Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
Additional Benefits Include Paid time off including paid holidays.
Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
Tuition assistance.
Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over.