Food Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Food Scientist

Job Description

The Food Scientist leads and supports end-to-end product development initiatives, transforming concepts into commercially viable food and beverage products. This role develops formulations and prototypes that align with product specifications and business objectives, coordinates plant trials and product testing, and ensures that all products meet stringent food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. The Food Scientist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and effective troubleshooting in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support product development projects from initial concept through commercialization.
• Develop formulations and prototypes that meet defined product specifications, sensory targets, and business objectives.
• Coordinate, plan, and execute plant trials, including scale-up activities and validation of new products and processes.
• Conduct product testing and validation activities, analyzing performance against quality and regulatory requirements.
• Source, evaluate, and recommend new ingredients and suppliers to support innovation and cost optimization.
• Prepare product samples for internal stakeholders and external customers, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.
• Analyze and interpret development data, summarizing findings and providing clear recommendations for next steps.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date technical documentation, formulations, specifications, and project records.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Marketing, and Operations teams to align product development with business and operational needs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on product performance, processing efficiency, and manufacturing robustness.
• Assist with troubleshooting production issues related to formulations, processing conditions, and product quality.
• Implement product improvements based on plant feedback, consumer insights, and technical data.
• Ensure all development activities comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and collaboration within the research and development function.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least 2 years of food product development experience within the food and beverage industry.
• Hands-on experience with research and development (R&D) in food science or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of food processing principles, ingredient functionality, and manufacturing operations.
• Proficiency in formulation development for new products and product improvements.
• Experience conducting plant trials and scale-up activities in a food production or food manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of quality assurance practices within the food industry.
• Ability to work effectively in laboratory and plant settings, applying scientific methods to product development.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data, solve technical problems, and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects, timelines, and documentation requirements.
• Effective communication skills to present findings, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and engage stakeholders.
• Demonstrated project management abilities to drive development initiatives from concept to commercialization.
• Ability to work productively in a collaborative team environment and build strong working relationships.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in food science research and development within the food and beverage industry.
• Familiarity with food industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Experience in chemistry or related scientific disciplines that support ingredient and formulation understanding.
• Exposure to food production and food manufacturing operations, including processing equipment and workflows.
• Experience working in laboratory environments focused on product testing and validation.
• Knowledge of new product development processes and stage-gate methodologies.
• Understanding of quality assurance systems and continuous improvement approaches in food manufacturing.
• Ability to translate consumer and market insights into technical product solutions.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with attention to detail and a focus on product quality and consistency.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in a food manufacturing and research environment, with standard working hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Food Scientist works across laboratory, pilot plant, and production areas, using food processing equipment, laboratory instruments, and data analysis tools to develop and validate products. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, involving close interaction with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Marketing, and Operations teams. Work may include time on the production floor during plant trials and troubleshooting activities, with appropriate adherence to facility safety, hygiene, and good manufacturing practices. Professional, practical attire and any required protective equipment are used in accordance with facility guidelines.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elmwood Park, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $42.00 - $44.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Elmwood Park,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 2026.

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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.