Senior Beverage Applications Scientist

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time benefits package

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. in Northbrook, IL, seeks a Senior Beverage Applications Scientist for the Flavors R&D team.

You will develop, test, and optimize beverage flavor systems across alcoholic and non-alcoholic products, collaborating with sales, marketing, sensory, and flavor creation teams to deliver innovative solutions. The role requires 7–10+ years in beverage formulation or flavor labs, strong analytical and sensory skills, and the ability to mentor juniors while supporting pilot

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, or related field.
• 7–10+ years of beverage formulation, product development, or flavor applications lab experience (internships count).
• Experience with multiple beverage types and formulation challenges.
• Familiarity with emulsions, acidulants, sweeteners, protein powders, dairy/nondairy ingredients, and functional ingredients.
• Skilled in analytical tools (pH meters, Brix, titratable acidity).
• Strong sensory acuity and ability to articulate flavor performance.
• Excellent presentation, organizational, and communication skills.
• Mathematical skills for calculations, proportions, percentages, weights, and algebra.
• Team-oriented and able to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Formulate, bench-test, and optimize beverages using our internal flavor library.
• Select and apply flavors based on briefs, trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with flavorists to match and modify flavors for performance.
• Troubleshoot formulation, processing, and shelf-life challenges.
• Support customer presentations and innovation showcases.
• Maintain accurate records in LIMS and other systems.
• Mentor and coach junior scientists, technicians, and interns.
• Support pilot plant trials and scale-up activities.
• Ensure lab safety, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Flavor formulation

Beverage development

Sensory analysis

Analytical skills

Presentations

Communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Genesis R&D

Excel

LIMS

Job description

Bell Northbrook
Northbrook, IL 60062, USA

Description

Bell Flavors & Fragrances is seeking a creative and technically skilled Senior Beverage Applications Scientist to join our Flavors R&D team. In this role, you’ll develop, test, and optimize flavor systems for a wide range of beverage applications—including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, sensory, and flavor creation teams to deliver outstanding solutions for our customers and drive internal development initiatives.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Formulate, bench-test, and optimize beverages (carbonated drinks, juices, plant-based beverages, RTD cocktails, alcohol, energy drinks, etc.) using our internal flavor library
• Select and apply flavors based on customer briefs, market trends, and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with flavorists to match and modify flavors for optimal performance
• Troubleshoot formulation, processing, and shelf-life challenges
• Support customer presentations and innovation showcase
• Maintain accurate records in laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
• Mentor and coach junior scientists, technicians, and interns
• Support pilot plant trials and scale-up activities
• Ensure lab safety, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance

Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, or related field
• 7–10+ years of experience in beverage formulation, product development, or flavor applications lab (internships/co-ops count)
• Experience across multiple beverage types and understanding unique formulation challenges
• Familiarity with emulsions, acidulants, sweetener systems, protein powders, dairy/nondairy ingredients, and functional ingredients
• Skilled in analytical tools (pH meters, Brix, titratable acidity, etc.)
• Sensory acuity and ability to articulate flavor performance
• Strong presentation, organizational, and communication skills
• Mathematical skills for calculations, proportions, percentages, weights, and algebra
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and able to manage multiple projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with alcoholic beverage formulation or TTB regulations
• Experience with alcoholic beverage formulation or TTB regulations
• Proficiency with Genesis R&D, Excel, or LIMS (PV)
• Pilot plant or manufacturing trial experience
• Regulatory or labeling knowledge for global beverage markets
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, cGMP, GLP standards
• Experience with laboratory safety audits and compliance documentation
• Competitive salary range of $95,000 - $105,000
• Full-time benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Be part of a supportive and collaborative team
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.