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Job description
The Senior Scientist – Color Innovation is responsible for the development and application of natural color systems across a wide range of food and beverage applications. This role combines strong food chemistry expertise with hands‑on product development to create stable, vibrant, and regulatory‑compliant color solutions.
The position leads formulation, experimental design, and application activities, translating scientific understanding of pigments, degradation pathways, and matrix interactions into commercially viable solutions. This role plays a critical part in advancing natural color technologies and supporting customer‑driven innovation.
Lead the development of natural color systems for food and beverage applications for key customers, with a focus on stability, performance, and scalability
Apply color systems in food formulations and contribute to product development across savory systems (snacks, meat systems, sauces, dressings, breads/batters, and related demo kits), as well as confectionery, dairy, and beverage applications
Apply food chemistry principles (pH, oxidation, light/heat stability, ingredient interactions) to optimize color performance across different matrices
Design and execute experiments related to pigment behavior, extraction, stabilization, formulation, and processing
Apply technical and functional knowledge to design experiments and independently execute work across multiple projects and sub‑projects in parallel
Evaluate color stability and shelf life across different product matrices and processing conditions
Conduct analytical and stability testing (spectrophotometry, color measurement, degradation studies) and interpret results to guide development decisions
Translate laboratory findings into prototype formulations and application‑ready solutions
Support customer and internal projects, including troubleshooting color performance issues and recommending practical solutions
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Processing, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial) to support scale‑up and commercialization
Contribute to development of new technologies, processes, and potential intellectual property
Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies in natural colors and food ingredients
Prepare and communicate technical findings through reports, presentations, and project updates
Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
Qualifications
M.S. or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific field
2‑5 years of experience in natural colors or related areas
Experience in food R&D with demonstrated work in product development, ingredient functionality, or new product development
Strong knowledge of food chemistry and ingredient interactions
Hands‑on laboratory experience including formulation, extraction, and analytical testing
Ability to translate scientific data into practical, application‑focused solutions
Strong experimental design, data analysis, and problem‑solving skills
Direct experience with natural colors, including anthocyanins, carotenoids, turmeric, spirulina, betanin, and related pigments
Understanding of mechanisms affecting color stability, including oxidation, pH effects, heat and light degradation, and metal interactions
Experience in new product development, formulation development, and troubleshooting within real food systems
Familiarity with ingredient labeling, regulatory considerations, and clean‑label trends
Working Conditions
Laboratory‑based role involving work with liquids, powders, solvents, and food systems and processing
Standing and laboratory work required for extended periods
Occasional travel (up to 10%) as needed
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Worksite address
kalamazoo, MI, 49006, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.