Principal Food Scientist - 257152

Medix™; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Medix seeks a PhD-level Food Scientist to join the R&D laboratory as Principal Scientist. You will lead hands-on product development and high-level technical engagements with international and domestic food industry clients.

You will mentor 1–2 direct reports, drive DOE and product analysis, and support patent filings. Travel up to 25% for customer meetings and industry conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Biochemistry, or related field with 3+ years in R&D/product development.
• Hands-on experience with enzymes as a tool in R&D projects.
• Named author on at least one patent.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D initiatives and client projects, including bench work, DOE, and product analysis.
• Utilize analytical assays (HPLC, GC, spectrophotometry) to evaluate enzyme performance.
• Serve as technical liaison to domestic and international clients; present at industry events.
• Mentor 1–2 direct reports in the R&D lab.
• Draft reports supporting patent filings and maintain internal knowledge assets.
• Travel up to 25% for customer meetings and conferences.

Skills

R&D leadership

Product innovation

Analytical testing

Client liaison

Mentorship

Education

Ph.D. in Food Science

Tools

HPLC

GC

Spectrophotometry

Job description

Location: Western Suburbs of Chicago

Position Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Travel: Up to 25% (Domestic & International)

About the Company

Join a long-established food ingredients company specializing in creating custom enzyme products and applications for clients' specific needs.

When you join this team, you’re joining a company known for exceptional employee tenure, a collaborative environment, and an outstanding culture that our team members consistently rate as a great place to work. If you are looking for a stable, high-impact role where your expertise is valued and your career can thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced PhD Food Scientist to join the R&D laboratory as Principal Scientist. This pivotal role balances hands-on product development and R&D of enzyme products and applications with high-level technical client engagement.

As a key scientific voice for the company, you will lead custom product development, leverage analytical instrumentation, mentor laboratory staff, and serve as a technical liaison to international and domestic food industry clients.

Key Responsibilities

• R&D & Product Innovation: Lead R&D initiatives and client projects including hands-on benchwork, Design of Experiments (DOE), and product analysis to drive new product innovation and fulfill custom client specifications.
• Analytical Testing: Utilize advanced analytical assays including HPLC, GC, and spectrophotometry to evaluate and optimize enzyme performance.
• Client Liaison & Technical Support: Serve as a primary technical resource for clients, deliver technical presentations at food & beverage industry trade shows, and collaborate directly on tailored customer solutions.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Supervise, mentor, and direct the daily work of 1–2 direct reports within the R&D lab.
• IP & Documentation: Draft reports and documentation to support potential patent filings and maintain internal knowledge assets.
• Travel: Travel up to 25% (domestically and internationally) for customer meetings, technical support, and industry conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline and 3+ years of food science industry experience in an R&D or product development capacity.
• Hands-on experience working with enzymes as an optimization or product development tool for R&D projects
• Must be a named author or co-author on at least one patent.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to present complex technical topics to clients and stakeholders.
• Strong natural leadership capabilities; prior personnel leadership experience is a plus.