Associate Food Scientist

Job Summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic Associate Food Scientist to join our Research & Development team. This entry-level role will support new product development, product optimization, and innovation initiatives within the biscuit category. The Associate Food Scientist will collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Procurement to execute R&D projects from concept through commercialization while ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize and execute R&D projects while aligning with marketing, manufacturing, and business objectives.
• Communicate project status, risks, challenges, and recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct pilot plant and factory trials in accordance with GMP and HACCP requirements.
• Support product development activities, including formulation work, shelf-life studies, quality evaluations, and consumer testing preparation.
• Analyze experimental data and testing results, preparing technical reports with clear conclusions and recommendations.
• Create, update, and maintain accurate product specifications and technical documentation.
• Lead development efforts for assigned products or clients while supporting broader category innovation initiatives.
• Utilize specification management systems, data logging software, and internal documentation platforms to support project execution.
• Process and track purchase orders for ingredients, packaging, and materials used during development and pilot plant activities.
• Use SAP, Minitab, and other technical software tools for statistical analysis, graphics review, and nutritional information management.
• Conduct product testing and analytical evaluations, including:
• Prepare, package, and distribute product samples for internal reviews and external evaluations.
• Adapt quickly to new technologies, systems, and processes in a fast-paced product development environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• 1-3 years of experience in the food industry, food product development environment, or flavor applications laboratory.
• Understanding of food science principles and product development processes.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP standards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting new product development and commercialization projects.
• Exposure to pilot plant operations and scale-up activities.
• Working knowledge of SAP, Minitab, or similar technical software.
• Experience creating product specifications and technical documentation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career food scientist looking to gain hands-on experience in product development, scale-up, analytical testing, and commercialization within a collaborative R&D environment

This is a Contract position based out of East Hanover, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in East Hanover,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $30 - $40