Food Scientist

GT'S Living Foods • Vernon, CA

6d • $90,000 - $115,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Food Scientist is responsible for the development of new products from concept through commercialization, including formula development, product trials, process validation, and shelf-life, sensory, and stability testing. This role works closely with the CEO/Founder, R&D team, Supply Chain, Operations, Production, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to ensure successful product development, scale-up, and commercialization.

Requirements

• Must be passionate about fermentation
• 4-6 years of food science experience
• Bachelor degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field
• Experience in the Natural Food Industry
• Strong understanding of microbial spoilage, lactic acid bacteria, and probiotic viability in refrigerated fermented products.
• Proficiency in design of experiments (DOE) and shelf-life modeling.
• Practical experience with microbial enumeration, pH measurement, titratable acidity, water activity, and organoleptic evaluation.
• Familiarity with natural and clean-label preservation systems (e.g., essential oils, protective cultures, bacteriocins).
• Self-starter with strong project management abilities, capable of leading R&D initiatives independently.
• Ability to work in accordance with safety and food safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Ability to work on microbiology & biochemistry research efforts in the areas of cultured probiotic yogurts (unpasteurized, coconut), and Beverage fermentation (Kombucha, Kefir, etc.), from lab to commercialization.
• Investigate and apply natural preservation techniques (e.g., bio-preservation, hurdle technologies, protective cultures).
• Design and execute experiments to extend the shelf life of fermented products without compromising safety, quality, or probiotic viability.
• Ability to conduct sensory analysis on products containing live/active cultures & botanicals which may or may not be GRAS certified
• Support validation of novel preservation methods under GRAS, organic, and clean-label constraints.
• Assist in the design and execution of shelf-life studies under various storage conditions.
• Work closely with QA to monitor microbial profiles, ensure compliance with food safety standards, and maintain documentation.
• Excellent document control, tracking, and laboratory report development.
• Create and optimize formulations for carbonated beverages, functional beverages, fermented beverages, juices, energy drinks, protein beverages, and other beverage categories.
• Select and evaluate ingredients, Natural flavors, sweeteners, acids, natural colors, and functional ingredients.
• Maintain and update the R&D innovation dashboard and stage-gate process, tracking formulation progress, testing, technical milestones, risks, and next steps; provide regular updates to the R&D Director to support retailer sell-in timelines and commercialization deadlines.
• Develop prototypes that meet target cost margins, nutritional, ingredient, and regulatory requirements.
• Investigate product failures and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with ingredient and raw material suppliers to identify, evaluate, and qualify new ingredients that meet product formulation, quality, regulatory, cost, and commercialization requirements.
• Lead technical engagement with suppliers, including requesting samples, reviewing ingredient functionality, coordinating trials, and resolving formulation or ingredient-related technical issues.
• Partner with Sourcing/Procurement to support RFQs and supplier evaluations by defining technical requirements, identifying acceptable ingredient alternatives, and providing technical input into supplier selection.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K with Matching
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on the amazing GT’s product line (available for pickup at headquarters only)
• Corporate Discounts with our partners through LifeMart (concert & sporting event tickets, cell phone service, gifts, restaurants, hotels, childcare, and more!)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level