Senior Beverage Applications Scientist: Flavor Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time benefits package

Growth opportunities

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

Bell Flavors & Fragrances is seeking a Senior Beverage Applications Scientist to join our Flavors R&D team. You’ll develop, test, and optimize flavor systems for a wide range of beverage applications—including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

You will collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, sensory, and flavor creation teams to deliver outstanding solutions for our customers and drive internal development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of 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.

Responsibilities

• Formulate, bench-test, and optimize beverages 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.

Skills

Beverage formulation

Analytical tools

Sensory acuity

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Mathematical skills

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science/chemistry or related field

Tools

Genesis R&D

Excel

LIMS PV

Job description

Bell Flavors & Fragrances is seeking a Senior Beverage Applications Scientist to join our Flavors R&D team. You’ll develop, test, and optimize flavor systems for a wide range of beverage applications—including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

You will collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, sensory, and flavor creation teams to deliver outstanding solutions for our customers and drive internal development initiatives.