Senior Beverage Applications Scientist: Formulation Leader

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 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