Food Scientist

ZipRecruiter; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food sector is seeking a passionate Food Scientist to drive product innovation and quality. This role involves managing product development and conducting experiments, with a focus on collaboration and maintaining high standards. The successful candidate will enjoy a dynamic work environment and numerous benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary & equity

Bonus eligibility

100% covered Health, Vision, Dental insurance

401(k)

Generous parental leave

Flexible vacation

Catered lunch in office

Dog friendly office

Unlimited cereal

Qualifications

• Familiarity with product development lifecycle.
• Hands-on laboratory experience.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage formulation and product development projects.
• Design and execute lab-based experiments.
• Ensure regulatory and nutritional compliance.

Skills

Food safety

Ingredient functionality

Analytical testing

Sensory evaluation

Problem-solving

Education

BS or MS in Food Science

Technical/science discipline

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Magic Spoon reimagines your childhood breakfasts favorites with more protein, less sugar, and more fun. Since launching in 2019, we've brought our unbelievably tasty cereal to over one million customers online and over 20,000 stores nationwide. With our recently launched Protein Treats and Protein Granola we're continuing to find new ways to make mornings magical - all made possible by our incredible team.

We’re looking for a passionate and detail-oriented Food Scientist to help fuel our product innovation and drive best-in-class quality as we expand in both retail and DTC channels. Reporting to our Senior Manager, Product Development, you’ll play a critical role in formulating, optimizing, and commercializing new loops (and maybe even some new breakfast surprises) for our growing customer base.

This role requires on-site presence in our NYC office up to 5 days per week, with exact in-office expectations determined by business needs.

In this role you’ll:

• Manage formulation and product development projects from bench-top concept through to commercialization, working closely with internal and external partners
• Design, plan, and execute lab-based experiments and pilot plant/commercial scale-up trials to optimize product quality, shelf life, and manufacturing efficiency, with support from manager
• Analyze ingredient functionality, processing parameters, and sensory and consumer feedback to iterate and refine product performance
• Evaluate, qualify, and partner with new and existing raw material suppliers in collaboration with procurement and FSQR, ensuring all specifications and compliance standards are met
• Ensure regulatory and nutritional compliance for all product prototypes and final formulas, maintaining internal documentation (Genesis, master BOMs, etc.)
• Conduct analytical and sensory testing; document results to ensure products meet Magic Spoon’s high standards for flavor, freshness, and nutrition
• Support and maintain lab inventory levels, following SOPs and healthy restock procedures
• Proactively identify and troubleshoot challenges in ingredient sourcing, production, or quality, proposing innovative solutions
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including operations, supply chain, procurement, marketing, and FSQR, to ensure a seamless transition from R&D to launch
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all formulation work; document learnings to help institutionalize R&D best practices

Requirements

• BS or MS in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related technical/science discipline
• 2-5 years relevant experience in food product development, formulation, or technical applications, ideally within CPG, ingredient, or startup environments. (Relevant internships or co-op experience welcomed)
• Familiarity with product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization
• Hands-on laboratory experience in benchtop prototyping, analytical testing, and/or sensory evaluation
• Strong knowledge of food safety, ingredient functionality, and basic regulatory/Nutrition Labeling requirements (FDA, USDA, etc)
• Track record of successful cross-functional collaboration and project documentation/management
• Excellent organizational and communication skills; highly detail-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and urgency
• Enthusiasm for startup energy, creative problem-solving, and a love of breakfast!
• Travel up to 50% (at peak time) for supplier visits, manufacturing trials, co-manufacturer oversight, trade shows, or other business needs
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain eligibility for business travel.
• This role requires international travel to Canada. Candidates must hold or be able to obtain a valid passport for international travel.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while conducting experiments, product trials, or working at lab benches and pilot plant equipment.
• Frequent walking within laboratory, production, or R&D facilities.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and moving of materials, equipment, and ingredient containers (typically up to 25–50 pounds).
• Ability to perform work in labs, kitchens, pilot plants, or manufacturing environments that may be:
• Warm or cold (depending on the product being tested).
• Humid or dry.
• Exposed to strong odors from flavorings, ingredients, or cleaning agents.
• Exposure to food allergens, powders, or dust depending on the nature of product development.
• Ability to safely operate and troubleshoot food processing and lab equipment.
• Frequent use of hands to handle laboratory tools, small-scale processing equipment, packaging prototypes, or ingredient samples.
• Precision required for measuring, weighing, and mixing formulations accurately.
• Ability to operate computers, analytical instruments, and specialized lab equipment.
• Strong sensory abilities for:
• Visual inspection of products (, consistency, appearance).
• Taste and olfactory evaluation (flavor development, sensory testing).
• Texture and mouthfeel assessments.

This role requires tasting and evaluating a variety of food products as part of the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals who are unable to perform this task due to medical or other valid reasons.

Benefits

• Competitive salary & equity
• Bonus eligibility
• 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Generous parental leave
• Flexible vacation
• Catered lunch in office
• Dog friendly office
• Unlimited cereal