Food Innovation & Application Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Food Innovation & Application Scientist
Muscatine, Iowa area

Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Food Innovation & Application Scientist to join our Technical Solutions group on the Innovative Solutions team in Muscatine, Iowa. In this customer-facing role, you will serve as a key technical resource, partnering with commercial teams, customers, and industry stakeholders to demonstrate the value and performance of our ingredients across food, nutraceutical, and personal care applications.
You will play a critical role in translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions, driving business growth through technical consultations, product demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory formulation.
Position Details

• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (On-site in Muscatine, Iowa)
• Travel: Up to 40% travel required (trade shows, customer visits, and technical seminars)
• Job Status: Direct Hire
• Benefits: Full medical package
• Relocation: Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Customer Support & Collaboration: Provide technical expertise through customer meetings, presentations, virtual consultations, technical reports, and troubleshooting activities. Partner closely with commercial, operations, quality, regulatory, and external teams.
• Formulation & Innovation: Develop and optimize formulations utilizing company ingredients to address customer needs, support innovation initiatives, and drive commercialization.
• Laboratory Experimentation: Design, conduct, and analyze laboratory experiments to evaluate ingredient functionality and performance. Establish testing protocols and validation procedures aligned with industry standards.
• Analysis & Documentation: Evaluate finished product performance using analytical techniques, laboratory instrumentation, and sensory assessments. Generate technical literature, application guides, and accurate laboratory records while ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Business Development: Support trade shows, technical seminars, customer training programs, and product demonstrations to promote ingredient capabilities.

Education, Experience & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master of Science degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related science-based curriculum is required.
• Experience: 3 to 5 years of relevant industry experience (relevant internships or co-op assignments will be considered).
• Key Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong knowledge of food chemistry, organic chemistry, ingredient functionality, and formulation science.
  • Extensive hands-on laboratory experience, including operating lab equipment, running analytical techniques, and maintaining safe practices.
  • Exceptional customer-facing communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

What happens next:
Once you apply, you’ll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don’t worry – even if this position doesn’t work out, you’re still in our network. That means our team of expert Science & Clinical recruiters will have access to your profile, making your opportunities limitless.

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