Food Scientist

Griffith Foods; Alsip (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Griffith Foods in Alsip, IL is seeking a Food Scientist to lead raw material projects and optimize formulations with local supply chain support. You will review and validate raw materials, engage suppliers, and work across teams to drive regulatory and quality compliance.

The role requires onsite presence in Alsip 3–4 days weekly, willingness to travel, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to validate finished products and optimize performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical/Biological Sciences, or related field.
• 3 years’ experience in R&D or 5 years’ Quality Systems in the food industry.
• Ability to consume and taste animal proteins/allergens (wheat, dairy, egg).
• Willingness to work onsite in Alsip, IL 3–4 days per week.
• Travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation of alternate/secondary supply raw materials within GPE raw material strategy.
• Perform organoleptic analysis of raw materials and end-use applications.
• Support supply chain raw material initiatives and hold resolution.
• Design and execute experiments for supplier optimization and SKU consolidation.
• Review documentation and specs with QS and Regulatory Teams.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Sensory, and Analytical Scientists to plan product validation.
• Communicate progress with suppliers, purchasing, and GPE teams.
• Apply scientific principles to research, development, production technology, quality control, and packaging.

Skills

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/C&B Sciences

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

TITLE: Food Scientist

LOCATION: Hybrid in Alsip, IL on average 3-4 days a week in office

COMP RANGE: $72,000 - $100,000/year

Griffith Foods is hiring a Food Scientist to support Griffith Foods North America raw material technical excellence through execution of Griffith Performance Excellence (GPE) raw material projects, formula optimization including local supply chain support and supplier technical engagement with respect to raw materials.

This is your opportunity to provide your technical expertise in reviewing and validating raw materials by leading cross-functional projects with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.

As a Food Scientist, Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Functions as a scientist to lead and evaluate suitability of alternate/secondary supply raw materials in execution of the GPE raw material strategy and/or raw material emergencies
• Responsible for organoleptic analysis of raw materials and end use applications; must be able to eat and taste animal protein products and allergens including but not limited to wheat, dairy and egg
• Supports Supply Chain raw material initiatives, including raw material emergency projects and raw material hold resolution and at-risk inventory evaluation
• Responsible for the design, planning, and execution of all experiments and projects connected to alternative suppliers, SKU consolidation and raw material optimization
• Addresses and supports document review and specification management in conjunction with QS and Regulatory Teams
• Collaborates with Commercial Team Scientists, Sensory Scientists and Analytical Scientists to plan, prioritize and execute finished product validation
• Communicates extensively with suppliers, purchasing team and GPE team throughout project progress
• Applies scientific and engineering principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing and utilization of foods

The Food Scientist position is well-suited for you if you:

• Enjoy different projects touching all applications, such as proteins, seasonings, coatings, and sauces and dressings
• Collaborate with production, supply chain and commercial teams
• Work independently on multiple detailed projects concurrently while exercising ingenuity
• Leverage technical development and problem-solving skills to support the technical business strategy

Qualified Candidates Will Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical/Biological Sciences, or other related field
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Research & Development or 5 years’ Quality Systems experience within the food industry
• Must be able to consume and taste meat, poultry, and seafood products that may contain allergens including but not limited to wheat, dairy, and egg
• Willingness and ability to work onsite in Alsip, IL 3-4 days per week
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 10%

What Will Set You Apart

• Master’s degree
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Culinary experience or certifications

This role is affiliated to the Alsip, IL location, and candidates for this role need to reside within a commutable distance of that location and will be required to come into that location. You may be asked to travel to other locations periodically for meetings.

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: Medical, Rx, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts, EAP, Health Advocacy, Financial Planning, Parental Leave, Care.com, Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance, Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement, Safety Reimbursement, Lifestyle Spending Account, Group Life & AD&D, Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term & Long Term Disability, 401(k) Plan with Company Match, PTO, Holiday’s & Leaves, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Home & Auto Insurance, Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Long Term Care + Life Insurance & Legal Assistance.

At Griffith Foods, you can be a member of a globally connected team that is known for true, collaborative innovation, guided by our purpose to Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish The World. We are a family-owned business, founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA. Our product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet.

At Griffith Foods, we aim to create a regenerative future and build food systems that are sustainable and resilient for both people and the planet. A sustainable supply chain enables us to deliver high-quality products in a way that supports the growers and farming communities.

Learn more about us at https://griffithfoods.com/careers/