Food Scientist

Actalent, Inc.; Barberton (OH); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance (Voluntary)

Job summary

Actalent, Inc. is seeking a Food Scientist for our Akron, OH facility to join a private equity-backed start-up with iconic brands and strong manufacturing capabilities. You will lead product development from concept to commercialization, develop and test formulas, and contribute to quality improvements and cost reductions.

The role involves lab work with pilot plant exposure, cross-functional collaboration, and occasional travel (<20%). A bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Engineering and 3–5 years of R&D experience in baking are preferred.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of food R&D experience, with a strong preference for experience in baking categories.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical input throughout all phases of New Product Development (concept through commercialization).
• Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Lead/support the planning, execution, and reporting of plant trials and product validations for new products and reformulations.
• Work with Marketing and partner with Operations for commercial execution against all new products.
• Seek, evaluate, and utilize technical information to achieve objectives.
• Recommend and implement product quality improvements based on quantitative insights.
• Investigate and implement cost reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations.
• Maintain laboratory ingredient inventories.
• Keep accurate records on lab work and data analysis.
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain lab-ware and equipment while adhering to GMPs in the handling and preparation of food products.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel as requested, less than 20%.

Skills

Food R&D experience

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or Engineering

Job description

Food Scientist

Job Description

The Scientist, R&D will be joining a private equity start-up business with iconic brands, strong retail presence, and outstanding manufacturing capabilities. With moderate supervision, the Scientist leads product development projects from concept through commercialization. The Scientist is responsible for developing and testing formulas and processes for new products, quality improvements, and cost reductions with moderate levels of supervision and guidance from the R&D Director and/or Senior Scientist. The company plans to aggressively increase the pace of innovation in the baking, ingredients, and breakfast categories where there is ample opportunity for disruption and differentiation. The role will be based in the Akron, Ohio manufacturing facility where a fully operational pilot plant is located.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical input throughout all phases of New Product Development (concept through commercialization).
• Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Lead/support the planning, execution, and reporting of plant trials and product validations for new products and reformulations.
• Work with Marketing and partner with Operations for commercial execution against all new products.
• Seek, evaluate, and utilize technical information to achieve objectives.
• Recommend and implement product quality improvements based on quantitative insights.
• Investigate and implement cost reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations.
• Maintain laboratory ingredient inventories.
• Keep accurate records on lab work and data analysis.
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain lab-ware and equipment while adhering to GMPs in the handling and preparation of food products.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
• Travel as requested, less than 20%.

Essential Skills

• 3-5 years of food R&D experience, with a strong preference for experience in baking categories.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or Engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Engineering, or Business.
• Displays even temperament, ethical values, and good team-play within R&D and cross-functionally.
• Strong communication skills.
• Great attitude and drive with the ability to roll up sleeves and get things done.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and handle moderate degrees of ambiguity.
• Passion for food and innovation.

Work Environment

The Scientist will be working in the lab the majority of the time and will occasionally need to go out to the pilot plant.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Akron, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Akron,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 25, 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

Contact Information Collection

We collect your phone number and email so that an Actalent representative can reach out to you regarding potential job opportunities. Please ensure that the phone number and email you provide are accurate, as an incorrect phone number or email may affect our ability to contact you.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.