Associate Scientist - Food Science

The Institute of Food Technologists; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kemin Industries is seeking an Associate Scientist in Food Science to join our team of researchers focused on strengthening ingredient‑innovation initiatives.

You will design and conduct food science experiments, evaluate ingredient functionality, and help bring new ingredients from concept to commercialization while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry or Biochemistry with 7+ years of relevant industrial experience.
• Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant industrial experience.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-on experience developing ingredients, formulations, or food applications.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and conduct food science experiments to develop new ingredients, formulations, and application solutions.
• Develop and evaluate ingredient functionality in relevant food systems, including performance, stability, sensory impact, and processing compatibility.
• Develop and review experimental protocols, SOPs, and safe work procedures for lab and pilot-scale activities.
• Conduct literature, patent, competitor technology reviews to guide ingredient innovation strategy.
• Prepare technical reports, invention disclosures, and internal/external communications.
• Present research findings and technical recommendations to internal teams, customers, and collaborators.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, regulatory, operations, sales, and marketing.
• Identify external collaborations with suppliers, universities, customers, and partners.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to interns and junior staff.
• Maintain laboratory readiness and calibration, documentation, and maintenance.

Skills

Food science knowledge

Experiment design

Data interpretation

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science, Chemistry or Biochemistry +7 years

Master's in Food Science, Chemistry or Biochemistry +3 years

Job description

Kemin Industries Food Technologies business unit is seeking an Associate Scientist in Food Science to join our team of experienced researchers and help strengthen our ingredient‑innovation initiatives. We are seeking a scientist with a food science and technology background and hands‑on experience of developing ingredients and/or food applications. This role will focus on developing new ingredients including source materials, formulations and processing, evaluating ingredients in food systems, and assisting in new product commercialization and troubleshooting existing products.

This position requires someone who can balance scientific rigor with creativity, and connecting science to practical, commercially viable solutions. Working alongside microbiologists, chemists and processing engineers, this individual will anchor the team with food science and industry expertise and help drive clean‑label, affordable ingredient innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Independently design and conduct food science experiments to develop new ingredients, formulations, and application solutions.
• Develop and evaluate ingredient functionality in relevant food systems, including performance, stability, sensory impact, and processing compatibility.
• Develop and review experimental protocols, application testing methods, SOPs, and safe work procedures for laboratory and pilot‑scale activities.
• Conduct literature, patent, competitor technology reviews to guide ingredient innovation strategy and application development.
• Prepare technical reports, invention disclosures, internal publications, and external communications with appropriate guidance and review.
• Present research findings, application results, and technical recommendations to internal teams, customers, and external collaborators as needed.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with quality, regulatory, operations, sales, and marketing teams to support successful product development and commercialization.
• Identify and participate in external collaborations with suppliers, universities, customers, and technical partners to advance ingredient and application development.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to interns, junior scientists, and cross‑functional team members.
• Maintain laboratory and instrument readiness by following proper operating procedures, calibration schedules, documentation practices, and routine maintenance requirements.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's Food Science, Chemistry or Biochemistry with 7+ years of relevant industrial experience
  • Master's in Food Science, Chemistry or Biochemistry with 3+ years of relevant industrial experience
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong foundation in food science, ingredient functionality, food chemistry, and food processing.
• Hands‑on experience developing ingredients, formulations, or food applications in relevant food systems.
• Experience designing experiments, developing testing protocols, collecting quality data, and maintaining laboratory or pilot‑scale equipment.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental and product performance data.
• Strong scientific curiosity, practical problem‑solving skills, and innovative thinking.
• Ability to translate scientific findings into practical ingredient or application solutions preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common data analysis tools.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision‑making, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email [e-mail].

A post‑offer background check and drug screen is required. Additional pre‑employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is a drug‑free and tobacco‑free campus.