Research & Development Scientist II

Daily Harvest; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 83,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Chobani is seeking a Scientist to support all product platforms of R&D, handling materials, running experiments, and preparing data for testing. You will ensure food safety and quality, assist in shipping finished goods for tasting and shelf-life studies, and participate in cross‑department initiatives.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a life science field and 2–5 years of related experience, with strong documentation and communication skills to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food/dairy science, chemistry, biology or related life science field.
• 2–5 years of experience in food/dairy manufacturing or laboratory science; or degree in a life science field (dairy beverage/application preferred).
• Ability to operate pilot plant production equipment and laboratory testing equipment used in the manufacturing of food and beverages.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in fast paced, entrepreneurial working culture.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work by determining sequencing and timing based on precedence and importance.
• The ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures and instructions
• Knowledge of Sanitation, CIP and COP procedures preferred, and ability to work with chemicals
• Basic computer skills including MS Word and Excel; PowerPoint a plus
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly define ideas, problems and solutions
• Self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to work independently and in group settings
• Basic math and problem-solving skills required
• Working knowledge of PPE’s, GLP and cGMP

Responsibilities

• Operate lab equipment and participate in projects, shelf-life studies, and industrial trials.
• Record observations and prepare data, create basic lab reports under guidance.
• Attend design of experiments and assist in planning and execution.
• Support maintenance, calibrations, preparations, and CIP on pilot equipment; follow safety and environmental procedures.
• Participate in sensory evaluations of ingredients and finished products for Safe Quality Food.
• Create and maintain accurate records for projects.
• Coordinate procurement of ingredients and supplies; manage storage and inventory.
• Coordinate shipments of ingredients to vendors within US and abroad; assist regional sales samples.
• Engage in discussions and training with internal supporting departments.
• Attend allergen, HACCP, GMP, safety trainings and other required meetings.
• Complete additional tasks and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Lab equipment operation

Laboratory testing

SOP compliance

Sanitation CIP COP knowledge

MS Word Excel PowerPoint

Communication skills

Self-motivation

Problem solving

Math skills

PPEs GLP cGMP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food/dairy science, Chemistry, Biology or related life science field

Job description

Summary

The Scientist role focuses on supporting all product platforms of R&D the daily duties of the scientist include: supporting the team with operating equipment ordering and handling raw materials, preparing new materials for internal and customer testing, conducting experiments maintaining lab reports performing routine testing becoming eligible in the formulations they are working with and analyzing and reporting results the role has a responsibility for ensuring both food safety and quality of the food products. This role will also aid in shipping and receiving of finished good for tasting and shelf-life testing.

Responsibilities

• Support in the operation of all lab equipment, participate in sales/shipment projects, shelf-life studies, special projects, support Industrial trials and Elevated Quality Management
• Record observations, collect and prepare data for further analysis, prepare basic lab reports under guidance from R&D Manager
• Attend the scheduled planning and execution of the design of experiment with the direction of the scientists and team members
• Support preventative maintenance, calibrations, preparations, operating and CIPs on all current pilot laboratories and pilot plant processing and testing equipment. Follow the plant procedure for required maintenance on all pilot processing equipment and machinery for safety, quality or environmental concerns
• Participate in physical, chemical and sensory evaluations of food ingredients and finished products for Safe Quality Food
• Complete procedures to create, maintain and provide accurate records
• Procure ingredients and supplies internally and through external vendors either by project or by lead Scientist. Provide and maintain proper storage area for all items. Cycle count items to provide correct minimum/maximum counts and correct, ongoing inventory until end of project
• Coordinate with internal departments in managing shipments of ingredients to vendors within US and overseas. Finished Goods sales sample dispatch coordination with regional sales manager
• Be an active participant in discussions, workshops and informational meetings with our internal supporting departments
• Attend and participate in mandatory yearly Allergen, HACCP, GMP, Safety trainings and all other required meetings/training
• Complete additional work assigned, including special projects
• Follow Chobani’s safety procedures, standard operating procedures, and Good Manufacturing Practices

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food/dairy science, Chemistry, Biology or related life science field.
• 2 – 5 years of experience in food/dairy manufacturing or laboratory science; or degree in a life science field (dairy beverage/application is preferred).
• Ability to operate pilot plant production equipment and laboratory testing equipment are required in the manufacturing of food and beverages.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in fast paced, entrepreneurships working culture.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work by determining the sequencing and timing of different jobs based on precedence and importance
• The ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures and instructions
• Knowledge of Sanitation, CIP and COP procedures preferred, and ability to work with chemicals
• Basic computer skills including a working knowledge of MS Word and Excel, PowerPoint a plus
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly define ideas, problems and solutions
• Self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to work independently and in group settings
• Basic math and problem-solving skills required
• Working knowledge of PPE’s, GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) and cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices)

About Us

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafés nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail. In 2025, Chobani acquired Daily Harvest, a modern brand offering consumers nutritious, delicious and convenient ready-to-make meals.

Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.

For more information, please visit www.chobani.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws.

The salary range for this full-time position is $82,500.00 - $129,800.00, + bonus + equity + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

• Chobani provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, disability insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement.
• To help save for the future, all employees are eligible for a 401k match of 100% on up to 5% of eligible pay.
• To support growing families, we provide fertility and childcare assistance, and 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay after six months of continuous employment.
• In addition, we provide wellness resources which include an employee assistance program, fitness discounts, a wellness reimbursement, on-site gym access (certain locations) and a monthly wellness newsletter to connect you with resources and timely information.
• We offer various types of paid time of including: 120 hours of paid time off, 11 holidays, and paid volunteer time off.