Food Scientist

Oats Overnight Jobs•Phoenix, AZ

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Oats Overnight is seeking a Food Scientist with a passion for new ingredient qualification, current ingredient optimization, and new product innovation. This role plays a pivotal part in enhancing ingredient functionality, improving product formulations, and supporting new concept development from ideation through commercialization. You will work hands-on with next-generation ingredient solutions, enhance product nutrition, and support the rapid development of oat-based, high-protein coffee products, along with new product platforms still in concept development. This is a full-time, exempt, onsite role based in Arizona.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in ingredient development, ingredient application, or formulation optimization.
Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with analytical chemistry for ingredient and product evaluation.
Proficiency in DOE (Design of Experiments) and statistical analysis to interpret experimental data and improve formulations.
Familiarity with ingredient sourcing, regulatory compliance, FDA regulations, and product labeling requirements.
Experience applying project management principles to drive timelines and cross-functional execution.
Highly acute sense of taste and smell.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong understanding of food industry standards for quality and food safety.
Ability to handle multiple priorities and navigate in a fast moving environment.
A relentless drive to get things done.
Flexible, willing, and quick to learn new processes, new technology, and new ways of thinking.

Nice To Haves

Experience with plant-based ingredients, high-protein formulations, or functional food components preferred.
Knowledge of sensory analysis, hydrocolloids, emulsifiers, and enzyme-modified ingredient applications preferred.
Familiarity with Genesis or other formulation software for nutritional calculations preferred.
Someone that can partner and influence at all different levels.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and qualify new ingredients based on functionality, sensory impact, nutritional value, and processing compatibility.
Assess and optimize current ingredients to enhance product quality, shelf life, and cost efficiency.
Develop data-driven ingredient specifications and collaborate with suppliers to ensure consistency and compliance.
Analyze ingredient interactions and conduct experimental research to enhance formulation performance.
Support the development of new product concepts by testing novel ingredient applications.
Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to systematically evaluate and optimize formulations.
Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing to scale formulas from bench to full-scale production.
Utilize analytical chemistry techniques to assess ingredient stability, interactions, and performance.
Contribute to clean-label innovation, incorporating functional, sustainable, and consumer-preferred ingredients.
Develop process optimizations that improve ingredient incorporation, product consistency, and overall efficiency.
Conduct shelf-life and sensory studies to validate product performance over time.
Implement analytical testing protocols to ensure ingredient and finished product compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
Collaborate with other departments to identify and address food safety risks throughout the production process with other food safety team members.
Responsible for product quality & food safety and for maintaining hygiene conditions in the plant.
Ensures and promotes food safety throughout the facility.
Ensure compliance with food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices.
Other duties as assigned.