Summary of Position

Imbibe is seeking an enthusiastic and curious Associate Research Scientist to join our Taste Modulation and Ingredient Innovation Team. This position will support the team’s efforts to develop new ingredient tools in the areas of sugar reduction, masking, and mouthfeel enhancement, under the guidance of experienced R&D staff. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of food science, chemistry, and the scientific method, along with strong collaboration skills and a passion for learning about a wide variety of food and beverage ingredients and product types. New ingredient research is a key function of this role, and the ideal candidate will be creative, results driven, inquisitive, and eager to apply learnings in innovative ways.

Essential Job Duties

• Assists Scientists and Sr. Scientists as needed.

• Researches and screens novel ingredients applicable to sugar reduction, masking, mouthfeel, and flavor enhancement.

• Assists in the creation of complex natural sweetener systems, masking systems, and mouthfeel systems for custom projects.

• Identifies and helps evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and applications that will provide innovative solutions to customers and internal developers.

• Builds relationships with key raw material suppliers to gain insight into new ingredient launches and potential uses.

• Uses objectivity on project work by practicing the scientific method of defining the question, gathering and recording information, forming a hypothesis, performing experiment, analyzing data, interpreting data and drawing conclusions.

• With guidance, applies learnings, creativity, and technical knowledge to add value through innovation.

• Assists with proactive innovation and optimization projects.

• Delivers, with guidance, plans and strategies in support of company objectives.

• Develops Customer Demonstration products, with assistance, in the food and beverage space.

• Coordinates and manages resources to meet internal project timelines and other success criteria.

• Participates in internal initiatives that showcase Taste Modulation innovations.

• Independently runs processing machines and techniques from bench top to pilot plant scale such as: Hot Filling, Spray Drying, Homogenization, Forced Carbonation, High shear mixers, etc.

• Conducts analytical testing on raw and finished product samples including but not limited to pH, titratable acidity, total solids/moisture, particle size, Brix, density, viscosity, and color.

• Follows all Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines, including properly cleaning and organizing all work areas and wearing all proper food safety and personal protective equipment.

• Balances a multi-task workload in a fast-paced development environment.

• Works with other internal team members including pricing, engineering, procurement, quality, operations, and marketing for successful project completion.

  Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, or a relevant field (required)

• Master Degree or 1-3 years experience with working knowledge related to at least one of the following: food science, product development/formulation, ingredient research, experimental design, and/or applications.

• Understanding of how to set up and execute an experiment.

• Ability to taste and describe organoleptic properties of finished products, ingredients, and flavors.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• A working knowledge of MS Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Hands-on experience operating laboratory equipment.

• Physical ability to stand for long periods of time as well as lift up to 50 lbs.

  Preferred Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail, organization skills, and ability to multi-task.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Excellent organization and time management skills.

• Passion for research and learning new areas.

• Creativity and desire to drive innovation within a fast-paced environment.

• Well-developed self-management and prioritization skills to meet customer and business needs.

  Working Conditions

• Primarily lab setting with some pilot plant exposure.

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