Application Scientist I

Sensient Technologies Corporation; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sensient Technologies Corporation is seeking an Application Scientist to work directly with customers, developing customized color solutions and demonstrating the value of natural and synthetic colorants. You will partner with commercial, technical, and innovation teams to support customer projects and advance natural color applications.

The role emphasizes strong technical knowledge, creativity, and excellent communication as you build relationships across the food industry and provide

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field (food science, chemistry, biochemistry) required or equivalent.
• 0–4 years of relevant experience in technical service, food science, or ingredient development.
• Knowledge of color chemistry, formulation development, and colorant stability.
• Strong customer communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to translate technical information into practical recommendations.
• Keen eye for color matching and interpreting analytical results.

Responsibilities

• Partner with customers to identify projects, define success criteria, and present color solutions.
• Develop and evaluate natural and synthetic colorants, including conversions to natural options.
• Conduct stability studies and testing; provide technical reports and recommendations.
• Improve color formulations addressing light exposure, heat, stability, and ingredient interactions.
• Evaluate new colorants and raw materials; develop testing plans with internal teams.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and presentations to customers and internal teams.
• Stay current on food color regulations and support analytical testing procedures.

Skills

Color chemistry

Customer communication

Analytical thinking

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science/chemistry/biochemistry

Master's degree preferred

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. We are looking for an Application Scientist to join our team to work directly with customers to understand their needs, develop customized food color solutions, and demonstrate the value of natural and synthetic colorants. You will partner with commercial, technical, and innovation teams to support customer projects, advance natural color applications, and strengthen relationships with customers across the food industry. This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist who combines strong technical knowledge with creativity, communication, and a passion for customer collaboration.

What You’ll Do

• Partner directly with customers to identify project opportunities, understand application requirements, establish success criteria, and present tailored color solutions that support their product development goals.
• Develop, evaluate, and match natural and synthetic food colorants, including converting synthetic color applications to natural alternatives while considering product appearance, stability, shelf life, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct stability studies and application testing to evaluate color performance under different processing, storage, packaging, and environmental conditions. Interpret findings and provide clear technical reports and recommendations.
• Develop and improve color formulations by addressing challenges related to light exposure, heat, physical and chemical stability, and interactions with food ingredients.
• Evaluate new natural colorants and raw material sources, develop testing plans, and recommend potential applications in collaboration with internal innovation and technical teams.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and presentations to customers, sales, marketing, and internal teams while supporting customer visits, industry events, and cross-functional projects.
• Stay current on food color regulations and scientific developments, maintain technical resources, and support quality initiatives and analytical testing procedures.

What You’ll Bring

• A bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related scientific field. A master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• 0–4 years of relevant experience in technical service, food science, or food ingredient development.
• Knowledge of food color chemistry, formulation development, and the performance and stability of natural and synthetic colorants.
• Strong customer communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into practical recommendations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet fast-paced project deadlines.
• A keen eye for color matching and the ability to interpret analytical results and identify opportunities for improved product performance.

What You’ll Get

• Opportunity to collaborate with your colleagues onsite and in the field 5 days per week.
• Competitive salary and development opportunities.
• A thorough and effective training experience during onboarding and beyond.

This position involves regular direct customer interaction through phone calls, virtual meetings, and in-person visits. Travel to customer locations, industry events, and company facilities will be required as business needs arise. On-site laboratory and application work will also be necessary to support product testing, formulation development, and technical collaboration.

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 the US without the need for employment visa sponsorship.

RELOCATION

We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work in St. Louis 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.