Principal Scientist

Astrix; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrix seeks an experienced Principal Scientist to join the Technical Services team in a hands-on R&D leadership role focused on enzyme applications for the food industry.

The role leads product development, mentors a multidisciplinary team, and supports commercialization and external collaborations. GMP/SQF and 5S practices are integral; global collaboration and budget management are expected.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Science or related field.
• 3–5+ years of progressive R&D experience, preferably in food/biotech enzyme industries.
• Experience with industrial enzyme applications and product development.
• Proven experience leading product development and commercialization.
• Experience contributing to or leading patent filings.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on laboratory research and bench-scale experimentation (~75% of time).
• Lead development of at least three innovative product applications annually from concept to commercialization.
• Identify new product opportunities via industry research, conferences, and customer engagement.
• Support and contribute to patent applications with technical data.

Skills

Analytical reasoning

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Documentation

Team leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Food Science

Tools

GC

HPLC

Spectrophotometry

Job description

Principal Scientist

Job Type: Direct Hire

Employment Status: Exempt / Salaried

Salary: $100,000–$120,000 annually, depending on experience

Schedule: Full-Time

Department: Technical Services

Reports To: Technical Services Manager

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to join their Technical Services team. This is a highly hands‑on R&D leadership role with approximately 75% of the position focused on laboratory research and bench‑scale experimentation.

The Principal Scientist will lead innovative product development initiatives, with a particular focus on enzyme applications within the food industry. This individual will identify new product opportunities, develop and optimize enzyme technologies and blends, support commercialization efforts, contribute to patent development, and serve as a technical resource for customers, Sales, and Marketing.

The successful candidate will also oversee and mentor a multidisciplinary team of scientists while helping drive the strategic growth and technical capabilities of the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Spend approximately 75% of the workday conducting hands‑on laboratory research and bench‑scale experimentation.
• Lead the development of at least three innovative product applications annually, from initial concept through commercialization.
• Identify new product application opportunities through industry research, conferences, market analysis, and customer engagement.
• Support and contribute technical data toward a minimum of two patent applications annually.
• Lead the design and conceptualization phase of new product development initiatives.
• Develop and optimize enzyme technologies and blends for food industry applications.
• Provide scientific data and technical content for promotional materials, webinars, customer presentations, and other business development initiatives.
• Deliver high‑level scientific presentations to internal stakeholders, customers, and domestic/international industry conferences.
• Serve as a primary technical resource for Sales and Marketing teams.
• Lead joint R&D projects with key customers and external research partners.
• Establish and maintain relationships with food research institutes, universities, and other external technical organizations.
• Provide technical and analytical support to existing and prospective customers to support business retention and market expansion.
• Collaborate with global R&D teams to share technical knowledge and align research initiatives.
• Oversee laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, laboratory safety, organization, and implementation of 5S principles.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, SQF, food safety requirements, and the company's quality management system.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, research documentation, data analysis, and visualizations.
• Identify and immediately elevate food safety concerns, quality issues, or deviations through appropriate channels.
• Assist with management of the annual Technical Services team budget.
• Prepare client call reports and monthly progress reports in accordance with departmental requirements.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop laboratory personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and professional development for direct reports.
• Help build and maintain a high‑performing technical team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership Responsibilities

This position will provide direct leadership and oversight to a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including assistant and senior-level research personnel.

Responsibilities Include

• Recruiting and onboarding laboratory personnel.
• Training and mentoring team members.
• Setting performance expectations and providing ongoing feedback.
• Conducting performance evaluations.
• Supporting employee development and career growth.
• Managing personnel transitions and compensation‑related activities.
• Optimizing departmental resources and overall team performance.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Science, or another related scientific discipline.
• 3–5+ years of progressive R&D experience, preferably within the food, biotechnology, enzyme, or related industry.
• Demonstrated experience with industrial enzyme applications, particularly within food‑related applications, is highly preferred.
• Proven experience with product development and commercialization.
• Experience contributing to or leading patent filings.
• Experience leading cross‑functional R&D projects.
• Previous experience supervising, mentoring, or leading scientific personnel.
• Strong understanding of GMP, SQF, food safety, and quality systems.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with analytical instrumentation such as GC, HPLC, and spectrophotometry is highly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced scientific reasoning and analytical problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to solve complex technical challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret complex scientific literature, regulatory standards, and technical reports.
• Ability to prepare compelling technical presentations, reports, and scientific materials.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to balance significant hands‑on laboratory responsibilities with strategic, administrative, and leadership duties.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate scientific documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with R&D, Sales, Marketing, customers, and external research partners.