Associate Food Scientist

Magic Spoon reimagines your childhood breakfasts favorites with more protein, less sugar, and more fun. Since launching in 2019, we've brought our unbelievably tasty cereal to over one million customers online and over 20,000 stores nationwide. With our recently launched Protein Treats and Protein Granola we're continuing to find new ways to make mornings magical - all made possible by our incredible team.

We’re looking for a curious, detail-oriented Associate Food Scientist to support our product development efforts as we continue to innovate and scale. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Product Development, this role will focus on executing formulation work, supporting trials, and helping bring new products from concept to launch.

This is an ideal role for someone early in their career who is excited to learn, get hands-on experience, and grow within a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment.

This role requires on-site presence in our NYC office up to 5 days per week, with exact in-office expectations determined by business needs.

In This Role, You Will:

• Support formulation and product development projects from benchtop through commercialization under guidance from senior team members
• Assist in designing and executing lab experiments, pilot trials, and scale-ups to improve product quality and performance
• Conduct benchtop work including weighing, mixing, and preparing prototypes, while maintaining accurate records of formulations and results
• Help analyze ingredient functionality, processing conditions, and sensory feedback to support product optimization
• Partner with internal teams (Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, FSQR, Marketing) to support product development and commercialization efforts
• Assist in coordinating and preparing samples for internal reviews, customer testing, and sensory panels
• Support ingredient and supplier evaluations, including organizing documentation and tracking specifications
• Maintain and update documentation in internal systems (e.g., PLM, Genesis, BOMs), ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Follow established SOPs and contribute to improving organization and efficiency within the lab and development processes
• Help identify and troubleshoot formulation or process challenges, escalating issues and proposing solutions with team support
• Maintain lab organization, inventory, and cleanliness to ensure a safe and efficient working environment

Requirements

• BS or MS in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related technical/science discipline
• 1-3 years relevant experience in food product development, formulation, or technical applications, ideally within CPG, ingredient, or startup environments. (Relevant internships or co-op experience welcomed)
• Familiarity with product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization
• Hands-on laboratory experience in benchtop prototyping, analytical testing, and/or sensory evaluation
• Knowledge of food safety, ingredient functionality, and basic regulatory/Nutrition Labeling requirements (FDA, USDA, etc)
• Track record of successful cross-functional collaboration and project documentation/management
• Excellent organizational and communication skills; highly detail-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and urgency
• Enthusiasm for startup energy, creative problem-solving, and a love of breakfast!
• Travel up to 50% (at peak time) for supplier visits, manufacturing trials, co-manufacturer oversight, trade shows, or other business needs
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain eligibility for business travel.
• This role requires international travel to Canada. Candidates must hold or be able to obtain a valid passport for international travel. 
• Ability to stand for extended periods while conducting experiments, product trials, or working at lab benches and pilot plant equipment.
• Frequent walking within laboratory, production, or R&D facilities.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and moving of materials, equipment, and ingredient containers (typically up to 25–50 pounds).
• Ability to perform work in labs, kitchens, pilot plants, or manufacturing environments that may be:
• Warm or cold (depending on the product being tested).
• Humid or dry.
• Exposed to strong odors from flavorings, ingredients, or cleaning agents.
• Exposure to food allergens, powders, or dust depending on the nature of product development.
• Ability to safely operate and troubleshoot food processing and lab equipment.
• Frequent use of hands to handle laboratory tools, small-scale processing equipment, packaging prototypes, or ingredient samples.
• Precision required for measuring, weighing, and mixing formulations accurately.
• Ability to operate computers, analytical instruments, and specialized lab equipment.
• Strong sensory abilities for:
• Visual inspection of products (color, consistency, appearance).
• Taste and olfactory evaluation (flavor development, sensory testing).
• Texture and mouthfeel assessments.

This role requires tasting and evaluating a variety of food products as part of the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals who are unable to perform this task due to medical or other valid reasons.

Benefits

• Competitive salary & equity
• Bonus eligibility
• 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental insurance (50% covered for dependents)
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous parental leave
• Flexible vacation
• Paid company holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Catered lunch in office
• Dog friendly office
• Unlimited cereal ✨

What we value:

Hold on to the Dream Adult life shouldn’t be boring, prioritize your work/life balance, we can build a world-class company and have fun doing it

Don’t miss the bowl for the loops We’re all working towards the same big goals, prioritize collaboration over ego, politics, or possessiveness

Be a Fruit Loop in a world of Cheerios Bring your whole, unique self to work, celebrate and care for everyone

Pour your own milk…and don’t be afraid to spill a little We trust you, use your best judgment to make decisions. Mistakes are inevitable, let’s learn from them!

No Added Sugar We skip the sugarcoating - truth fuels growth, feedback builds muscles, and honest conversation is part of a balanced breakfast.

Magic Spoon is committed to building a company that not only represents, but includes, individuals across different backgrounds and perspectives. However, all candidates must be in possession of identification proving authorization to work in the United States, as we are not able to offer sponsorship of Work Visas. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Magic Spoon intends to offer competitive base pay within the stated range, dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. To further compensate and recognize our employees for their work, our total compensation package includes equity and a robust benefits package. The anticipated annual base salary range for this role is $67,000-$80,000.