Analytical Innovation Scientist

Sensient Technologies Careers; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Sensient Technologies is seeking an Analytical Innovation Scientist to advance color and flavor analytics in a collaborative lab setting. You will support product development and business initiatives through advanced testing, method development, and scientific analysis.

The role emphasizes cross-functional teamwork, rigorous data interpretation, and the ability to develop and validate LC/LC-MS methods for natural-color applications, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry with 5+ years experience or a Master’s in color analytical chemistry or related field
• Experience in analytical chemistry, food/color science or related lab environment
• Strong knowledge of analytical instrumentation and lab testing techniques

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing on colorants, plant extracts, and food samples using a range of laboratory techniques
• Develop, optimize, and validate LC/LC-MS methods for plant extracts and food products
• Design and execute analytical studies, including shelf-life and product evaluations
• Improve laboratory operations by developing SOPs and improving data management

Skills

Analytical chemistry

LC/LC-MS methods

Spectrometry

Data interpretation

Collaboration

SOP development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry

Master’s degree in color analytical chemistry

Tools

HPLC

UHPLC

UV-Vis

MS

Job description

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.

If you are passionate about analytical science and enjoy solving complex challenges through laboratory research, this opportunity offers the chance to make a meaningful impact. As an Analytical Innovation Scientist, you will support product development and business initiatives through advanced testing, method development, and scientific analysis. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver accurate results, improve laboratory capabilities, and help drive innovation. This position is primarily based in a laboratory setting and requires regular onsite collaboration to support testing activities, equipment operation, and project execution.

What You'll Do

• Perform analytical testing on colorants, plant extracts, and food samples using a range of laboratory techniques and instruments.
• Use wet chemistry, extraction, purification, and stability testing to evaluate samples and products.
• Independently operate spectrometry and spectroscopy instruments, including UV-Vis, colorimetric, fluorescence, and X-ray fluorescence.
• Operate and troubleshoot various LC systems, including reverse-phase, HILIC, ion-exclusion, normal-phase, flash, preparative, HPLC, and UHPLC with DAD, ELSD, and MS detection.
• Develop, optimize, and validate LC/LC-MS methods for plant extracts, food products, and natural-color applications.
• Design and execute analytical studies, including shelf-life and product evaluations, while delivering accurate data to support R&D, quality, and business decisions.
• Improve laboratory operations by developing SOPs, enhancing workflows and data management, collaborating with stakeholders, supporting safety/compliance, and driving continuous improvement.

What You'll Bring

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in chemistry with 5+ years of experience or master’s degree in food / color analytical chemistry or related field
• Experience working in analytical chemistry, food science, color science, or a related laboratory environment.
• Strong knowledge of analytical instrumentation and laboratory testing techniques.
• Ability to develop methods, interpret complex data, and provide clear scientific recommendations.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, quality standards, and continuous learning.

What You'll Get

• Opportunity to work on innovative projects that support product development and scientific advancement.
• Exposure to a wide range of analytical techniques, technologies, and research initiatives.
• Collaborative environment that values knowledge sharing and scientific excellence.
• Opportunities to lead projects and contribute to laboratory strategy and process improvements.
• Professional development through technical learning, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Meaningful involvement in solving complex analytical challenges that impact business results.
• A role where your expertise directly contributes to innovation, quality, and customer success.

About Sensient:

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.

About Sensient Colors:

Sensient Colors is a leading developer, producer, and supplier of natural and synthetic color systems for customers around the globe. The Company's high-performance products play a vital role in the manufacture of foods and beverages, cosmetic and pharmaceutical colors and coatings, and colors for agricultural uses, household cleaners and paper products.

SPONSORSHP:

Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in (country) without the need for employment visa sponsorship.

RELOCATION:

We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work at (location) and must reside in area or be willing to commute.

THIRD PARTY AGENCY:

Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.