Color Applications Scientist I

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

Job summary

Sensient Technologies seeks an Application Scientist to work with customers to understand needs, develop customized color solutions, and demonstrate the value of natural and synthetic colorants. You will collaborate with commercial, technical, and innovation teams to support projects and strengthen customer relationships across the food industry.

The role requires strong technical knowledge, creativity, and excellent communication skills to translate complex data into actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biochemistry or related field; master’s preferred.
• 0–4 years of relevant experience in technical service, food science, or ingredient development.
• Knowledge of food color chemistry, formulation development, and stability of natural and synthetic colorants.
• Strong customer communication and presentation skills with ability to translate technical info into practical recommendations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Keen eye for color matching and interpreting analytical results.

Responsibilities

• Partner with customers to identify project opportunities and present tailored color solutions.
• Develop, evaluate, and match natural and synthetic colorants, including natural alternatives.
• Conduct stability studies and testing; interpret results and prepare technical reports and recommendations.
• Improve color formulations addressing light exposure, heat, stability, and ingredient interactions.
• Evaluate new colorants and raw materials; plan tests and potential applications with internal teams.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and presentations to customers, sales, and marketing.
• Stay current on color regulations and regulatory developments; support QA and analytical testing procedures.

Skills

Food color chemistry

Formulation development

Customer communication

Analytical reporting

Color matching

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Sensient Technologies seeks an Application Scientist to work with customers to understand needs, develop customized color solutions, and demonstrate the value of natural and synthetic colorants. You will collaborate with commercial, technical, and innovation teams to support projects and strengthen customer relationships across the food industry.

The role requires strong technical knowledge, creativity, and excellent communication skills to translate complex data into actionable recommendations.