Senior Food Applications Scientist - Natural Colors

Phytolon is a biotechnology company transforming the food industry through its natural colors, derived from fermentation. We develop sustainable, high-performance natural food colors that help build a more resilient food system by reducing land use and water consumption. We're setting a new standard for pure, consistent natural colors to accelerate the conversion from FD&C colors and crop-based colors. We're looking for talented people to be part of our success. As our U.S. business continues to expand, we're growing our Applications team to support customers across North America. We're seeking an experienced, customer-facing Senior Food Applications Scientist to join our New Jersey applications lab. The ideal candidate will serve as the Company's technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for natural color performance across a wide range of applications, including beverages, confectionery, dairy, seasonings, baked goods, and nutraceuticals. This role combines hands-on product development, customer collaboration, technical troubleshooting, and commercial support to help customers successfully bring Phytolon's innovative color solutions to market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Application Development & Testing (Site-Based) Design and execute experimental protocols to evaluate natural color performance across complex food matrices. Assess color behavior under demanding processing and storage conditions. Analyze ingredient interactions between Phytolon's natural colors and compounds in target product formulations. Generate actionable analytical data, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and sample presentation protocols for external clients and internal R&D. Partner directly with key client R&D and product development teams to accelerate adoption of Phytolon's natural solutions. Travel to customer sites across North America to conduct technical presentations, product demonstrations, and pilot plant trials. Translate complex color performance data into practical, customer-ready commercial solutions. Act as the primary technical interface for customer onboarding, technical troubleshooting, and product adoption. Work closely with Phytolon's distribution and commercial partners in supporting the use of Phytolon's colors in their sales and product development activities, including on-site technical support and joint trials at partner facilities (requiring occasional overnight travel). Attend trade shows and industry events, as necessary. Technical Leadership & Troubleshooting Serve as the U.S. expert for natural color performance and technical problem-solving across a wide range of food and beverage applications. Diagnose and resolve emerging issues in customer formulations. Develop application guides, best-practice manuals, and technical collateral materials for cross-functional teams. Monitor U.S. market trends to identify formulation opportunities and guide future product adaptations. Collaborate closely with Phytolon's global R&D, Regulatory, Marketing, and Commercial teams to align application delivery with business growth. Track and manage customer application projects using modern digital workflow tools.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline. 7+ years of hands-on experience in food product development, formulation, or food ingredient applications. Proven track record in customer-facing technical roles within the food ingredients industry is required. Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of food chemistry, and ingredient interactions in complex matrices. Hands-on experience operating pilot plant equipment, bench-top formulation tools, and analytical/sensory color measurement tools. Soft & Professional Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving, exceptional client presentation skills, and the ability to explain technical findings to non-technical business partners. Digital Tools: Experience using project management and documentation software and customer relationship management programs. Travel Requirements: Ability and willingness to travel domestically (and occasionally internationally) for customer site visits, product development collaborations with partners, pilot trials, and industry events. This includes overnight stays as required for multi-day partner collaborations and customer plant trials. $140,000 - $165,000 annually based on experience and qualifications. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) retirement savings plan. Paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays. Opportunities for continued learning, technical development, and participation in conferences and events. Company-paid travel expenses, including accommodation and meals, for business travel. A collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven work environment.

ABOUT PHYTOLON

Phytolon, a biotechnology company, develops natural food colors using proprietary precision fermentation technology. Its mission is to take natural colors to the next level by delivering high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for the global food, beverage, and dietary supplement industries. With a portfolio based on two core color additives – Beetroot Red and Prickly Pear Yellow – Phytolon enables a rich palette of vibrant colors spanning yellow, orange, red, pink and purple. Founded in 2018, Phytolon is headquartered in Israel with a commercial team and food applications lab in the United States. Learn more: Phytolon is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants. #J-18808-Ljbffr Phytolon