Food Scientist II

Jimmy's Gourmet Bakery; Clifton (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and performance bonuses

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life insurance

Generous PTO and career growth opportunities

Job summary

Jimmy's Gourmet Bakery in Clifton, NJ is seeking a skilled individual to support R&D activities related to baking, product formulation, and quality assessment. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field, along with experience in the Food Industry.

This role includes managing lab activities, preparing samples, and ensuring compliance with food regulations. Unique benefits provided include competitive pay, 401(k), health insurance, and career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Physical ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work in both office and plant settings.
• 2-4 years of production or R&D/QC laboratory experience in the Food Industry preferred.
• Moderate to advanced computer skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Create and update product recipes and assist in baking.
• Conduct sensory evaluations for product development.
• Document formulas and manage R&D lab activities.

Skills

Physical demands handling

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Basic to moderate knowledge of food regulations

Bi-Lingual (Spanish)

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or Applied Science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Database navigation

Job description

Description

• Creates product recipes and assists in preparation, scaling, and baking.
• Prepares samples for customers and assists in selection of samples and shipping to the customer.
• Document’s formulas and formula changes on continuous basis to keep them updated and current.
• Adds formulas and ingredients into company program on timely basis to provide nutritional information and cost for new formulations or changes in existing formulations.
• Evaluates current and alternative food ingredients to reduce cost, improve product quality, or provide additional vendor approvals for purchasing to resource from.
• Conducts sensory evaluation of new products or existing products for customer sample release, R&D product development, or quality assessment.
• Manages R&D lab activities, technician, and plant personnel as needed when R&D Director is off-site or unavailable.
• Orders lab supplies, ingredients and shipping materials for customer packages as needed.
• Keeps R&D lab clean and organized and manages inventory of retain samples.
• Train’s laboratory technicians as needed to perform R&D activities.
• Participates in cross functional teams to ensure effective resolution of technical issues, support product development initiatives and provide updates as needed.
• Runs plant tests independently and/or with technician and documents processes, conditions, and changes.
• Supports quality systems with consumer complaint diagnosis and reply as needed.
• Trouble Shoots production and lab tests problems to come up with solutions.
• Develops and documents product specifications, includes photographs, measurements, and product detail for current and existing products.
• Conducts shelf-life studies and documents results.
• Prepares paperwork for 3rd party analysis of products and reports results.
• Tracks sample requests and deadlines to ensure that timelines are met.
• Participates in Sales and Marketing meetings for customer sample requirements and for new or existing product requests.
• Works with ingredient vendors for formula work, new product innovation and productivity opportunities.

Requirements

• Ability to perform physical demands of both office and plant work. Physical requirements may include the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 30 lbs. Work involves sitting, walking and/or standing for extended periods of time.
• Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree (Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or Applied Science).
• Experience in the Food Industry with Bakery experience preferred (2-4 or more years of production or R&D/QC laboratory experience).
• Basic to moderate knowledge of food regulations, nutrition labeling, ingredients, and ingredient functionality.
• Ability to calculate figures, amounts, weights, and measures.
• Moderate to advanced computer skills (word, excel, and database navigation).
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively, apply judgment and understand sense of urgency to support the sales, marketing, purchasing and production efforts.
• Bi-Lingual, ability to speak Spanish a plus.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• At times, the position interacts and comes into contact with a production, manufacturing, and warehouse environment, which presents the following:
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally high.
• Use of protective hair, eye, and clothing coverings necessary when entering production area.
• Products manufactured in the facility may contain peanuts, tree nuts, and other potential allergens.

Our Commitment to You

At Jimmy's Gourmet Bakery, we believe our team's success starts with feeling valued and supported. That's why we offer:

• Competitive pay and performance bonuses
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance and EAP support
• Generous PTO and career growth opportunities

Join a team that values your contributions and well-being.