Application Scientist

Tribonet; Abingdon (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Trilogy Flavors in Abingdon, VA is seeking an Application Scientist to bridge flavor development and food science. You will serve as the technical lead, testing and optimizing premium flavors across real-world matrices, collaborating with flavor chemists, sales, and external manufacturers.

This role emphasizes hands-on bench-top formulation and sensory evaluation. You will execute bench-top trials, develop base formulations for screening Trilogy’s flavor library, troubleshoot challenges, and

Qualifications

• Education in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 3–5+ years hands-on flavor applications, product development or food manufacturing experience.
• Deep understanding of flavor chemistry in beverages, dairy, or savory contexts.
• Sensory evaluation skills with ability to articulate adjustments clearly.

Responsibilities

• Execute bench-top trials to evaluate flavor performance across matrices.
• Develop base formulations to screen and present flavor libraries to clients.
• Troubleshoot complex application challenges in collaboration with teams.
• Lead technical discussions translating client briefs into flavor strategies.
• Prepare and present prototypes to client R&D teams and cross-functional groups.
• Participate in cross-functional projects ensuring scale-up from lab to production.

Skills

Flavor applications

Product development

Sensory science

Laboratory tools

Project management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Engineering

Tools

Laboratory analytical tools

Job description

An educational platform on tribology — the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

As an Application Scientist at Trilogy Flavors, you will bridge the gap between creative flavor development and functional food science. You will serve as the primary technical subject matter expert, testing and optimizing our premium natural flavors, citrus specialties, essential oils, and liquid seasonings across real-world food and beverage matrices.

Working in our state-of-the-art Abingdon laboratory, you will collaborate directly with our Flavor Chemists, Sales teams, and external food manufacturers to turn creative consumer trends into commercially viable, delicious products. This role relies heavily on hands‑on bench‑top formulation and sensory evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute bench‑top trials to evaluate flavor performance, stability, and taste profiles across varied food and beverage matrices.
• Develop standard base formulations to effectively screen, showcase, and present Trilogy’s flavor library to clients.
• Troubleshoot complex application challenges
• Lead technical discussions with customers and Account Managers, translating customer project briefs into actionable flavor selection strategies.
• Prepare and present innovative, customized prototype concepts directly to client R&D teams.
• Participate in cross‑functional project teams to ensure seamless scale‑up from lab bench to commercial production facilities.

Sensory, Regulatory & Documentation

• Apply advanced sensory science and evaluation skills to log precise tasting feedback, summarize panel results, and refine flavor dosing.
• Partner with the Quality and Regulatory teams to guarantee that all formulations adhere to USDA Organic, TTB, FDA, and international food safety standards.
• Maintain standard laboratory safety protocols (GLP/GMP) and manage the on‑site flavor stock library.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline (Advanced degree preferred).
• Experience: 3–5+ years of hands‑on experience in flavor applications, product development, or food manufacturing environments.
• Matrix Expertise: Deep understanding of flavor chemistry functionality within beverages (functional, carbonated), dairy, or savory applications.
• Sensory Acuity: Demonstrated ability to accurately evaluate flavors, identify subtle taste profiles, and articulate clear technical adjustments.
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency with laboratory analytical tools
• Traits: Strong project management abilities, comfortable handling multiple client deadlines simultaneously within a fast‑paced environment.
• Travel: Ability to occasionally travel (up to 20%) to support client plant trials and technical integrations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or remain stationary in a laboratory environment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, or transport ingredient containers weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Must be comfortable tasting various food and beverage products, which may contain common allergens.