Food Scientist

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America•Itasca, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all. Are you an early-career food scientist ready to turn ingredient innovation into real products? Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition is hiring a Food Scientist to join our R&D team, where you'll partner with senior scientists to develop formulations, prototypes, and product concepts across a diverse portfolio of food categories. In this hands-on lab role, you'll lead short-term development projects, conduct sensory and shelf-life studies, document formulas in our system, and write SOPs that shape how we work — all while gaining mentorship from experienced R&D leaders at a global leader in amino acid science and food ingredient solutions.

Requirements

BS in Food Science, Foods and Nutrition, or a related field of study
Food industry experience a plus.
Self-motivated.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
Knowledge of scientific and technical aspects of the operation.
Must be able to transfer scientific knowledge to practical applications.
Good oral and written communication and computer skills.
Able to manage time effectively to meet deadlines and adjust quickly to changes in priorities.

Responsibilities

Apply technical expertise in food science to ideate and develop product concepts/prototypes that solve for customer issues within the context of our portfolio of ingredient solutions. These projects will mainly relate to the application of savory flavor enhancers, sweeteners, and/or enzymes in a variety of food systems.
Work with cross-functional team members (marketing, sales, technical services, culinary, etc.) to understand consumer trends and customer needs.
Interact with the customer as needed.
Under the direction of the Sr. Principal Scientist, develop new applications for Ajinomoto ingredients, including completion of necessary internal documentation.
Conduct sensory evaluations of new products or processes.
Participate on sensory panels helping other technical personnel with their work.
Perform general laboratory activities, including, but not limited to, sample preparation, product testing, and basic analytics.
Maintain files of all documents, assist in organization of lab materials.
Update status of all work as required.
Conduct and participate in shelf-life studies for Ajinomoto products, following established shelf life protocols.
Perform all work in accordance with Ajinomoto GMP, Allergen, and Quality Programs and participate in annual training for these programs.
Effectively collaborate with other scientists, culinary, sales, and marketing departments as well as participate in cross functional teams as requested.