Senior Beverage Scientist

Sensapure Flavors is a fast-paced, innovative flavor house based in Salt Lake City, known for its team of nutrition industry veterans, exceptional flavorists, flavor chemists, and product development experts. We create and manufacture flavor systems for food, beverage, and nutrition companies worldwide. Our unique ability lies in making even the most challenging active ingredients and restrictive sweetening requirements taste amazing.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Sr Beverage Scientist is responsible for providing technical support for all Beverage Development and Beverage Scientists. This is a laboratory position that, under the direction of the Principal and Beverage Scientists, will require batching and processing beverage prototypes on the bench scale, and eventually scaling products to the pilot plant (OMVE). This is a Sr. level position with at least 6 years’ experience in beverage development (flavor systems and base formulations) and a bachelor’s degree in a Science.

The Sr Beverage Scientist will oversee all the efforts and resources to produce CSD’s and other cold-filled preserved beverages. There may be crossovers with hot filled or pasteurized self-direction and problem solving is required.

MAIN JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Prepare, batch, and evaluate finished beverage applications to support new beverage product development efforts with direction from Principal and Beverage Scientists.

2. Hands on approach with bench work, formulating, flavoring, and solving technical issues.

3. Works with minimal supervision on CSD, cold-filled preserved, and tunnel pasteurized.

4. Works on flavor systems with minimal supervision.

5. Can work on base development with some supervision from Principal Scientist of Director of R&D.

6. Work closely with Beverage Scientists supporting a variety of beverage applications including High Acid/Low Acid, CSDs, Hot-Fill, and Retort products.

7. Safely operates lab and pilot plant equipment related to UHT processing, carbonated beverages, spray drying, dry blending, and other areas as assigned.

8. Develops SOPs for lab & analytical equipment to support Beverage Development.

9. Identifies potential problems early in the development process and addresses them with appropriate solutions.

10. Works with internal Ingredient Sourcing Specialist to source raw materials needed for the success of Product Development.

11. Maintains lab and pilots plant space for optimal functionality, readiness, and cleanliness.

12. Works on continually improving the flow of work and processes for beverage formulations.

13. Works directly with customers and sales to get products approved.

14. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or science degree equivalent (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, etc.) Required, MS in food science preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

6 years of Liquid/Beverage Development with a MS degree) 10 with BS degree experience preferred.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Support the buildup of Beverage Formulations throughout the development process.

Self-directed with a deep understanding of base/RTD development and scale up.

Ability to work with and provide guidance about types of Beverage Applications (High Acid/Low Acid, CSDs, operating & calibrating analytical equipment (i.e. Brix, TA, pH, Density, etc.) for Beverage. Ability to learn and operate lab equipment and machinery: Bench top sample equipment, pilot equipment OMVE for beverage processing.

Demonstrate attention to detail.

Prioritizes and uses time effectively.

Able to communicate with multiple internal and external groups effectively.

Able to do preventative maintenance or repair equipment.

Must work well in group problem solving situations and exhibit sound judgment.

Ability to prioritize use of time effectively while managing competing demands.

Contribute to building a positive team spirit and display a high amount of professionalism.

Ability to read and interpret detailed and complex documents.

Ability to write routine correspondence, instructions, and procedures.

Basic mathematical skills. Able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Able to compute ratios and percentages.

Demonstrates ability to self-manage, consistently at work and on time.

Takes responsibility for own actions, takes initiatives, meets productivity standards, and generates suggestions for improving work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position works in an office and laboratory environment. Exposure to fumes, dust, or other airborne particles. Working near moving mechanical parts.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires frequent sitting, use of hands, talking, hearing/listening, tasting/smelling, standing, walking, bending/stooping, climbing stairs/ladders, and lifting up to 50 pounds. It includes taking things including caffeine, functional ingredients and sometimes alcohol.