Principal Scientist – Food Innovation

Astrix; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrix is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead R&D initiatives in enzyme technologies and food applications in the Greater Chicago Area. This hands-on leadership role focuses on developing ingredient solutions, supporting product commercialization, and providing technical SME guidance.

The position emphasizes bench research, design of experiments, and collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and external partners to drive revenue growth and market expansion.

Qualifications

• PhD in Food Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field.
• 3+ years of progressive R&D in food, enzymes, or applied biotechnology.
• Strong knowledge of enzyme functionality and applications in food systems.
• Experience with industrial enzyme applications preferred.
• Experience developing and commercializing food products or enzyme-based applications.
• Hands-on lab research and experimental design experience.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, spectrophotometry, or chromatography.
• Experience leading or supervising scientific personnel preferred.
• Customer-facing technical support or cross-functional R&D project experience preferred.
• Strong scientific reasoning, communication, and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D programs focused on enzyme-based food applications and product development.
• Conduct hands-on lab research and bench-scale experimentation (~75% in lab).
• Design experiments and formulation studies from concept to commercialization.
• Develop novel enzyme blends and food applications to drive revenue growth.
• Run laboratory and pilot-scale trials with internal teams, customers, and partners.
• Identify new product opportunities via market research and conferences.
• Collaborate with Sales/Marketing as a technical resource for projects.
• Provide technical support to customers and prospects.
• Lead high-level technical presentations for stakeholders and conferences.
• Collaborate with universities and external R&D partners on innovation.
• Contribute data and science for IP and patent development.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop laboratory personnel and teams.
• Oversee lab operations, equipment maintenance, safety, and quality programs.
• Maintain GMP/SQF compliance and documentation.
• Coordinate with global R&D teams to align research initiatives.

Skills

R&D leadership

Enzyme knowledge

Product development

Lab research

Communication

Strategic thinking

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Food Science or related

MS with significant R&D leadership experience

Tools

GC/HPLC

Spectrophotometry

Chromatography

Job description

Pay Rate Low: 120000 | Pay Rate High: 150000

Pay Rate Low: 100000 | Pay Rate High: 120000

Principal Scientist - Food Enzymes

Location: Greater Chicago Area

Direct Hire Up to $150K

Our client is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead R&D initiatives focused on enzyme technologies and food applications. This is a hands-on scientific leadership role responsible for developing innovative ingredient solutions, supporting product commercialization, and serving as a technical subject matter expert.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead R&D programs focused on enzyme-based food applications and innovative product development
• Execute hands-on laboratory research and bench-scale experimentation, with approximately 75% of the role spent in the lab
• Design and execute experiments, formulation studies, and product development projects from concept through commercialization
• Develop novel enzyme blends and food applications designed to support revenue growth and market expansion
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale trials with internal teams, customers, co-packers, and external research partners
• Identify new product opportunities through customer engagement, market research, industry trends, and conferences
• Partner with Sales and Marketing as a technical resource to support customer projects, business development, and technical marketing initiatives
• Provide technical expertise and support to existing and prospective customers
• Lead high-level technical presentations for internal stakeholders, customers, and industry conferences
• Collaborate with universities, food research institutes, and external R&D organizations on joint innovation initiatives
• Contribute technical data and scientific research to support intellectual property and patent development
• Supervise, mentor, and develop laboratory personnel and multidisciplinary scientific teams
• Oversee laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, safety, 5S practices, and quality standards
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and ensure compliance with GMP, SQF, food safety, and corporate quality requirements
• Collaborate with global R&D teams to share scientific insights and support consistent research initiatives

Qualifications

• PhD in Food Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline (MS with significant industry R&D leadership experience may be considered)
• 3+ years of progressive R&D experience in food, enzymes, or applied biotechnology
• Strong knowledge of enzyme functionality and applications within food systems
• Experience with industrial enzyme applications strongly preferred
• Proven experience developing and commercializing food products, ingredient technologies, or enzyme-based applications
• Hands-on laboratory research and experimental design experience
• Experience with analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, spectrophotometry, or chromatography
• Experience leading, mentoring, or supervising scientific personnel preferred
• Experience with customer-facing technical support, presentations, or cross-functional R&D projects preferred
• Strong scientific reasoning, problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while balancing hands-on laboratory research with strategic and administrative responsibilities

This job description is a complete list of all desired skills, but not all are required. We strongly encourage candidates who have some of the skills to apply. We look forward to a conversation to learn more about you!

INDBH