R&D Scientist

R&D Scientist

The R&D Scientist will perform advanced analytical testing and evaluation of flavor and fragrance ingredients, including essential oils, aromatic chemicals, raw materials, fragrance compounds, and pre-shipment samples. This role focuses on analyzing and interpreting instrumental data, supporting quality and production teams, and ensuring the integrity and consistency of ingredients used in a regulated manufacturing and laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing of flavor and fragrance ingredients, including essential oils, aromatic chemicals, raw materials, fragrance compounds, and pre-shipment samples.
• Analyze and interpret GC, GC-MS, and FT-IR data, as well as physicochemical and organoleptic properties of essential oils and aroma chemicals.
• Evaluate essential oil composition and identify impurities, chemical markers, and potential adulteration.
• Provide technical support to Quality Control, Perfumers, and other internal departments regarding ingredient composition, extraction methods, and material identification.
• Support troubleshooting of production compounds and formulation-related issues to help resolve quality and performance concerns.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and performance verification of laboratory instruments, including GC and GC-MS systems.
• Contribute to analytical method development and optimization, including data interpretation and reporting of results.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records and documentation within LIMS and other relevant systems to support traceability and compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a laboratory and manufacturing setting to support ongoing projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply knowledge of fractional and continuous distillation to support ingredient processing, quality evaluation, and R&D activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the flavor, fragrance, chemical, or closely related industry.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience with fractional and continuous distillation.
• Hands-on experience with GC and GC-MS instrumentation, including operation and troubleshooting.
• Ability to analyze and interpret GC, GC-MS, and FT-IR data for essential oils and aroma chemicals.
• Strong understanding of physicochemical and organoleptic properties of essential oils and aromatic chemicals.
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Solid foundation in chemistry and quality control principles.
• Ability to provide clear technical support and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating and troubleshooting FT-IR and related analytical instrumentation.
• Experience with analytical method development and advanced data interpretation.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems such as NetSuite.
• Experience in both natural and synthetic ingredients used in flavor and fragrance applications.
• Comfort working on growing projects and contributing to process improvements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in a team with diverse experience levels and collaborate across departments.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory environment within a regulated manufacturing and R&D setting. You will work with a variety of analytical technologies and equipment, including GC, GC-MS, FT-IR, and supporting laboratory instrumentation, as well as LIMS and enterprise systems such as NetSuite. The team includes professionals with a wide range of tenure, from early-career scientists to individuals with decades of experience, offering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. The organization focuses on both natural and synthetic ingredients and supports ongoing, growing projects in flavor and fragrance development. Standard laboratory safety practices and appropriate lab attire are expected, and you will work closely with Quality Control, Perfumers, and other technical teams in a professional, team-oriented environment.