Dairy R&D Method Developer & Project Lead

fairlife; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Nourish program

Job summary

fairlife, LLC is seeking an independent and driven Associate Scientist to join the R&D team as a Method Developer & Project Owner. This hands-on role focuses on benchtop lab work with pilot plant support, driving workstreams end-to-end and translating raw data into actionable business insights.

You will own experiments, develop research plans, and validate underlying mechanisms while mentoring junior technicians and collaborating with QA, Supply Chain, Plant Operations, Marketing, and Consumer

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science or Dairy Science, or closely related scientific field.
• 1–3 years of laboratory experience in food/beverage R&D/manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience in method development and SOP authoring.
• Hands-on proficiency with analytical lab instrumentation (rheology, physical chemistry testing, compositional analysis).
• Ability to apply independent scientific judgment to move projects from data collection to mechanistic understanding.
• Strong communication and collaboration with cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities

• Design, set up, and execute scientific experiments with alignment to project goals and rigorous science.
• Innovate within the lab by adapting analytical methods and validating new approaches.
• Develop and implement SOPs to improve laboratory practices.

Skills

Method development

Analytical instrumentation

SOP authoring

Independent scientific judgment

Cross-functional communication

Pilot plant experience

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food/Dairy Science

Tools

Rheology instrumentation

Physical chemistry testing

Compositional analysis tools

Job description

fairlife, LLC is seeking an independent and driven Associate Scientist to join the R&D team as a Method Developer & Project Owner. This hands-on role focuses on benchtop lab work with pilot plant support, driving workstreams end-to-end and translating raw data into actionable business insights.

You will own experiments, develop research plans, and validate underlying mechanisms while mentoring junior technicians and collaborating with QA, Supply Chain, Plant Operations, Marketing, and Consumer