Senior Food Scientist

What We Stand For and Where You’ll Come In The Senior Food Scientist will report directly to the Director, Food Science. This role leads product development initiatives and establishes operational objectives across the food science function. The Senior Food Scientist will drive new formulations, identify opportunities in our current and future products, and mentor a direct report. They serve as a key resource to Customer Experience, Brand, Animal Healthcare, and Operations teams for product and process information. Travel up to 40% is required. How You'll Make An Impact Create products based on ingredient functionality, nutritional targets, consumer need, claim substantiation, operational feasibility, and financial targets. Bring products from concept through commercialization. Design, execute, and document bench‑top experiments to evaluate ingredient functionality, texture, palatability, nutritional density, and processing behavior; apply DOE principles to optimize formulations against nutritional targets, cost constraints, and consumer acceptance criteria; maintain rigorous lab notebooks and experimental records that support regulatory submissions, IP filings, and internal knowledge management. Assist with pilot facility maintenance and management. Daily activities include equipment maintenance, sanitation, ingredient inventory, and management. Prepare, label, and ship product samples for internal evaluation, external sensory panels, analytical testing, and feeding trials, maintaining chain‑of‑custody documentation and cold‑chain integrity throughout. Analyze data from plant trials, proximate and nutrient analyses, feeding trials, and shelf‑life studies; translate findings into clear conclusions and actionable recommendations. Fully own all trial and experiment documentation, ensuring all information is clear, articulate, and accessible for relevant stakeholders. Author, own, and maintain ingredient, WIP, and finished product specifications; manage version control through product life‑cycle changes. Develop and communicate project timelines and costs, and proactively surface risks or changes to senior leadership. Proactively work with cross‑functional team members in Manufacturing, Operations, Product, Animal Healthcare, and Customer Experience to drive alignment and execution. Coordinate academic research partnerships. We're Excited About You Because 8+ years of experience in R&D or Product Development in the food manufacturing industry, with a demonstrated track record of taking products from concept to commercialization. Experience in companion animal or pet food product development strongly preferred; human food or animal nutrition backgrounds considered. You have a Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Animal Science, Food Science, or a related field. You have demonstrated experience managing or mentoring direct reports, with a track record of developing talent and driving team results. You are a direct, caring, and persuasive communicator and establish rapport easily with people on your cross‑functional team and other key collaborators. You love to dig into the details, but it’s also easy to pull up and look at the big picture. You have flexibility to commit to up to 40% travel, dependent on the event calendar and plant trials. You have proficient knowledge of food formulation, food safety, and manufacturing. You are able to thrive in a fast‑paced and ambiguous environment, naturally curious and proactive self‑starter, constantly on the lookout for new opportunities and solutions. You’re an owner, have excellent problem‑solving skills, and can prioritize tasks effectively, with a strong attention to detail. You’re a skilled communicator with the ability to absorb and distill complexity into simple terms to drive decision making. You are capable of lifting/moving 50+ lbs. You love dogs. Office Guidelines We are an in‑office culture that thrives on collaboration and shared space. All team members are expected to be in the office 4‑5 days a week. This policy is subject to change at company discretion. Benefits Dog‑friendly office in SoHo Market‑competitive compensation and equity packages Comprehensive Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage Company‑supported mental health benefits 12 week paid parental leave Competitive 401k plan with company match Flexible PTO Discounted fresh food for your pup Your pet interrupting video calls and in‑person meetings is supported Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Farmer's Dog, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Reasonable Accommodations TFD complies with applicable federal, state, and local disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. We're Here to Help We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the position or our hiring process – please reach out at View email address on click.appcast.io. Salary Range USD $170,000 – $185,000 per year (NYC market data; may vary for other locations). #J-18808-Ljbffr