Associate Food Scientist

Elite Spice Inc; Jessup (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career growth

Job summary

Elite Spice Inc. is seeking an experienced food scientist to formulate and optimize seasoning blends, conduct sensory evaluations, and ensure quality, flavor, and cost-effectiveness in production.

You will collaborate with R&D scientists and technicians, support sales, manufacturing, purchasing, and QA, maintain formulation records, review ingredient statements, and travel to customer visits as needed. This role offers an innovative R&D environment with hands-on spice product development and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and optimize seasoning blends to meet customer specifications.
• Conduct ingredient functionality tests, sensory evaluations, and application trials.
• Maintain accurate records of formulations, ingredient specifications, and product documentation.
• Review and approve ingredient statements, mixing instructions, and usage guidelines before first-time production runs.
• Collaborate with R&D Scientists, R&D Chefs, and Laboratory Technicians to develop seasoning formulations.
• Provide technical support to sales, manufacturing, purchasing, customer service, and quality control teams.
• Assist in troubleshooting customer complaints by identifying and addressing product-related issues.
• Support key accounts through project management and direct collaboration with customers.
• Participate in customer presentations and product demonstrations to support sales efforts.
• Ensure all formulations and processes comply with food safety standards, GMPs, and company quality protocols.
• Conduct internal sensory evaluations and analyze data to maintain product integrity and consistency.
• Document new ingredients and processes to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Food chemistry

Sensory evaluation

Formulation software

Data analysis

Mathematical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel

Technical reporting

Multitasking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Formulation software

Job description

• Formulate and optimize seasoning blends to meet customer specifications while ensuring quality, flavor, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct ingredient functionality tests, sensory evaluations, and application trials to ensure product consistency and performance.
• Maintain accurate records of formulations, ingredient specifications, and product documentation.
• Review and approve ingredient statements, mixing instructions, and usage guidelines before first-time production runs.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support

• Work closely with R&D Scientists, R&D Chefs, and Laboratory Technicians to develop and refine seasoning formulations.
• Provide technical support to sales, manufacturing, purchasing, customer service, and quality control teams.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving customer complaints by identifying and addressing productrelated issues.
• Support key and core accounts through project management and direct collaboration with customers.
• Participate in customer presentations and product demonstrations to support sales efforts.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all formulations and processes comply with food safety standards, GMPs, and company quality protocols.
• Conduct internal sensory evaluations and analyze data to maintain product integrity and consistency.
• Support the documentation of new ingredients and processes to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and sensory evaluation methodologies.
• Ability to analyze scientific data, including sensory and commercialization studies, to make informed recommendations.
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions for formulation adjustments.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to collect and interpret data, establish conclusions, and implement improvements.

Communication & Professionalism

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with customers and internal teams.
• Ability to write clear and concise technical reports, correspondence, and lab results.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• High degree of ownership, professionalism, and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment.

Project Management & Organization

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with some autonomy while handling customer accounts and internal projects.
• Experience with database management and data processing is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated passion for the food industry, with a strong desire to continue learning and developing expertise.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, analytical techniques, and formulation software is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed for customer visits, presentations, and technical support.

Why Join Elite Spice Inc.?

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative R&D environment.
• Hands-on experience in spice and seasoning product development.
• Collaboration with industry experts and exposure to advanced food science techniques.
• Competitive salary and benefits package with career growth opportunities.