Application Scientist

Trilogy Flavors; Maryland; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Trilogy Flavors in Abingdon, MD, seeks an Application Scientist to bridge flavor development and food science. You will act as the technical SME, testing premium natural flavors across beverages, dairy, and savory matrices, collaborating with flavor chemists, sales, and manufacturers.

This role emphasizes hands-on bench-top formulation, sensory evaluation, and scaling projects from lab to production. The ideal candidate has 3–5+ years in flavor applications or product development, a Food

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 3–5+ years in flavor applications, product development, or food manufacturing.
• Experience with flavor chemistry in beverages, dairy, or savory applications.
• Strong sensory acuity and ability to translate feedback into formulation changes.
• Proficiency with lab analytical tools; willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Execute bench-top trials evaluating flavor performance across matrices.
• Develop standard base formulations to showcase Trilogy’s flavor library.
• Troubleshoot complex application challenges.
• Lead technical discussions with customers and Account Managers.
• Prepare and present customized prototype concepts to client R&D teams.
• Collaborate in cross-functional teams to scale up from lab to production.

Skills

Flavor applications

Product development

Sensory evaluation

Project management

Travel readiness

Education

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

Tools

Laboratory analytical tools

Job description

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.