R&D Food Chemist: Formulation & Product Innovation

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; Bridgeview (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical in Bridgeview, IL, seeks an experienced R&D Food Chemist for direct hire. The role focuses on developing and optimizing food formulations, evaluating raw materials, and preparing samples for customer testing.

Responsibilities include DOE-driven development, troubleshooting, and maintaining technical documentation, with strong emphasis on regulatory labeling and nutrition data. Requires HACCP/SQF/GMP familiarity and 3–5 years’ experience.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Food Chemistry, Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field required. Degree in Food Science or Food Chemistry preferred.
• 3–5 years of relevant food industry and food product development/formulation experience.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, SQF, GMPs, allergen control, and FDA food safety requirements is preferred. PCQI certification or experience with preventive controls is also preferred.
• Experience conducting experiments and analyzing, interpreting, and communicating experimental data.
• Working knowledge of scientific principles applicable to food formulation and product development.
• Working knowledge of nutritional calculations, food labeling requirements, ingredient declarations, allergen labeling, and applicable food regulations is preferred.
• Experience preparing Product Data Sheets, product specifications, nutritional information, or other technical product documentation is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to review and apply technical information relevant to projects, including technical documents, patents, regulations, and raw material information.
• Skills to troubleshoot formulation and product development challenges, relying on chemistry and scientific principles.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate technical documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with collaboration across cross-functional teams and customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize food formulations and products to meet customer and market needs.
• Select and evaluate raw materials based on product requirements, performance, quality, and cost.
• Prepare product samples for customer testing and approval.
• Conduct formulation, performance, stability, and shelf-life testing and interpret results.
• Develop experimental plans, with guidance as needed, for short- and long-term product development projects using DOE and other appropriate techniques.
• Conduct proof-of-concept studies and evaluate the feasibility of new product concepts.
• Troubleshoot formulation, product quality, and manufacturing issues and provide technical recommendations.
• Prepare and maintain Product Data Sheets (PDS), product specifications, nutritional information, and other technical product documentation to support product development, commercialization, customers, and regulatory requirements.
• Calculate, compile, and verify nutritional values and ingredient information for product labels using formulation data, raw material specifications, supplier information, laboratory results, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support the development and review of product labels, including nutritional information, ingredient declarations, allergen statements, and other required technical information.
• Review product formulations and technical documentation to ensure consistency between formulations, specifications, nutritional information, labels, and customer requirements.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and provide technical support to internal teams, customers, and manufacturing.
• Research and apply relevant technical information, including scientific literature, patents, regulations, and raw material information, to support product development.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, formulation records, procedures, technical reports, Technical Data Sheets, specifications, and presentations.
• Provide technical and laboratory guidance to junior chemists and technicians as needed.
• Participate in technical training, brainstorming sessions, and other activities that support team and customer needs.
• Support and comply with SQF, HACCP, food safety, food defense, product quality, GMP, allergen control, cleaning and sanitation, and company safety requirements.
• Identify and address food safety and product quality concerns and elevate issues as appropriate.
• Take on additional responsibilities and projects needed to support evolving business needs.

Skills

Food formulation

Product development

DOE planning

Regulatory knowledge

Nutritional calculations

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Chemistry or related field

Job description

Kelly Science & Clinical in Bridgeview, IL, seeks an experienced R&D Food Chemist for direct hire. The role focuses on developing and optimizing food formulations, evaluating raw materials, and preparing samples for customer testing.

Responsibilities include DOE-driven development, troubleshooting, and maintaining technical documentation, with strong emphasis on regulatory labeling and nutrition data. Requires HACCP/SQF/GMP familiarity and 3–5 years’ experience.