Senior Scientist

Actalent; East Hanover (NJ); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead product innovation in biscuit development at its East Hanover location. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in Food Science or related fields and substantial experience in the food industry. The role involves managing the entire product lifecycle, collaborating with various team members, and leveraging innovative methods to meet market demands. With a competitive salary and benefits, this position offers an opportunity to work on impactful projects that reach millions.

Benefits

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of hands-on product development experience in food or CPG.
• Proven expertise in formulation, ingredient functionality, sensory science.
• Experience leading lab and plant trials.

Responsibilities

• Lead the product development lifecycle: concept to commercialization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for project execution.
• Present updates at gate reviews and I2M meetings.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Collaboration

Innovation

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering

Job description

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Lead Scientist – Product Innovation (Biscuits)

Location: East Hanover, NJ |Department: R&D / Product Development

Are you a seasoned food scientist with a passion for innovation and a knack for turning bold ideas into crave-worthy products? Join our team and lead the development of the next generation of biscuit products that consumers will love!

About Us

At Actalent, we’re reimagining what’s possible in the world of food. With a legacy of quality and a future focused on innovation, we’re committed to creating products that are delicious, sustainable, and ahead of the curve. Our R&D team is the engine behind our success — and we’re looking for a Lead Scientist to help drive our next big breakthrough.

What You’ll Do

As a Lead Scientist, you’ll lead the end-to-end development of innovative biscuit products — from blue-sky concepts to full-scale commercialization. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to bring ideas to life, solve complex technical challenges, and deliver products that meet consumer expectations and business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the product development lifecycle: concept creation, formulation, prototyping, scale-up, and commercialization.
• Lead lab and pilot plant trials, ensuring technical accuracy and robust documentation.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Manufacturing to align on project goals and execution.
• Develop and manage technical timelines, risk assessments, and project deliverables.
• Present technical updates and recommendations at gate reviews and I2M (Idea-to-Market) meetings.
• Influence cross-functional stakeholders with data-driven insights and clear communication.
  
  

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of hands-on product development experience in the food or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Proven expertise in formulation, ingredient functionality, sensory science, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience leading lab and plant trials, with a strong understanding of scale-up and commercialization.
• Familiarity with I2M or similar innovation frameworks.
• Exceptional project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• A passion for food, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  
  

Work Environment

• Primarily lab-based with regular collaboration across departments.
• Occasional travel to pilot plants and manufacturing facilities.
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Innovation at Scale: Work on high-impact projects that reach millions of consumers.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate scientists, engineers, and creators.
• Career Growth: Access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, and professional development.
• Competitive Package: Attractive salary, benefits, wellness programs, and flexible work options.
  
  

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $41.00 - $48.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job

classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be

subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits

Available For This Temporary Role May Include The Following

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
  
  

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in East Hanover,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

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