Scientist, Flavor Applications

Virginia Dare Extract Co.; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Dare Extract Co. is seeking a technically proficient scientist to provide applications lab support for flavor development and product concepts. You will manage projects, develop flavor blends, and communicate results to customers and internal stakeholders.

The role requires R&D experience, strong leadership, and hands-on pilot plant equipment skills, with occasional travel to customer sites and the Carteret, NJ headquarters.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of R&D experience with BS, MS or PhD in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering.
• Experience with RTM protein shakes, RTD beverages, and related beverages.
• Proficient in general lab practices and applying/evaluating flavors.

Responsibilities

• Complete assigned projects and inform stakeholders of project status with timely updates.
• Develop flavor concepts to demonstrate flavor creation innovation aligning with customer requests and market trends.
• Evaluate flavors, create new blends, and make recommendations to satisfy project requirements.
• Participate in sensory evaluation and taste panels; engage in all supplemental tastings as needed.
• Interface with cross-functional groups: Flavor Chemistry, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Sales, Finance.
• Interface with customers via conference calls, video calls, and in-person visits; travel to Carteret, NJ HQ a few times per year.

Skills

Leadership

Flavor evaluation

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

5+ years R&D in Food Science/related field

Tools

Pilot plant equipment

Ice cream manufacturing

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities: A technically proficient scientist that provides applications lab support to the Flavor Applications Lab through hands on product development. Project turnaround time, accuracy and communication of project results are critical to success as well as an ability to make independent decisions. The incumbent is responsible for completing their own projects and supporting other application scientists and flavorists in the lab. Specific responsibilities include the following.

• Successful completion of all the tasks associated with projects to which the incumbent is assigned including keeping relevant parties informed of project status. This includes, but is not limited to R&D management, business unit management, sales, senior management and customers.
• Develop product concepts to demonstrate flavor creation innovation that supports customer’s requests and market trends.
• Evaluate flavor, create new flavor blends and make recommendations to satisfy project requirements.
• Participation in the sensory evaluation of own and others projects. a. Active participation in taste panels where appropriate. b. Participate in all supplemental tastings of products as needed.
• Effectively interface with such diverse groups as Flavor Chemistry, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Sales Business Unit Management, and Finance.
• Interface with customers through conference calls, video calls, and in-person customer visits and working sessions.
• Travel to customer meetings and industry trade shows to represent Virginia Dare Applications. Must be able to travel to the Carteret, NJ headquarters a few times per year.
• Follows all site safety and GLP practices. a. Maintain work area in a safe, neat and organized manner. b. Adheres to all Virginia Dare policies and procedures. c. In general, contributes to the overall process of running the Virginia Dare Applications lab.

Skills/Experience Required

• Education: Minimum 5 years of R&D experience with BS, MS or phD in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering.
• Experience working with/familiarity with some or all of the following product areas a plus.
• RTM (ready to mix) protein shakes o Coffee and tea RTD beverages o Beverages (sodas, juices, sports drinks, energy shots)
• Fortified nutritional bars and bakery items o Cereals, snacks, and confections o Pharmaceutical and dietary supplements (including gummies and tablets)
• Dairy (yogurt, ice cream)
• Proficient in general lab practices.
• Proficient in applying and evaluating flavors in products.
• Must be able to taste and smell chemicals, flavors and food products.
• Strong leadership skills
• Able to deliver accurate results within short time frame deadlines with limited direction and supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate creativity and innovative ideas for new flavor types.
• Hands on experience with pilot plant equipment is a plus (Microthermics unit or equivalent, ice cream manufacturing).