Product Development Scientist
About The Position
AFB International is a global leader in science and technology for pet food palatability. We develop and manufacture a full portfolio of liquid and dry palatability enhancers that help create better-tasting dog and cat foods, treats, and supplements. As a trusted partner to pet food manufacturers worldwide, we combine deep scientific expertise with innovation to meet the evolving needs of pets and their owners. AFB International is part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, a privately owned, high-technology organization with a global footprint spanning North America, Europe, Latin America, Mexico, Australia, and China. Join our global Science & Technology team within Research & Development, where long-term thinking meets cutting-edge innovation. As a Product Development Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of pet food palatability by developing next-generation products from concept through commercialization. This role reports to the North American Head of Product and Process Sciences and offers the opportunity to directly influence product innovation, technology scale-up, and business growth.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Processing, or related field + 5+ years of experience OR Master’s degree + 3+ years of relevant R&D experience OR PhD + at least 1 year of industry experience in product development
- Experience in food or pet food R&D and scale-up required
- Strong foundation in food science, formulation, and processing principles
- Proven experience in product development from concept to commercialization
- Hands-on experience in formulation, pilot trials, and scale-up
- Familiarity with manufacturing practices and quality standards
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of thermal processing techniques preferred
- A data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to balance technical depth with business impact
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across diverse teams
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- A proactive, ownership-driven approach with a passion for innovation
- Comfort navigating ambiguity and evolving priorities
Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end development of innovative palatant products—from concept to market launch
- Design and execute experiments across bench, pilot, and production scales
- Apply food science and processing expertise, especially in thermal processing, to create high-quality products
- Drive product pipelines for both liquid and dry palatants
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product, process, and manufacturing teams
- Provide technical support during production scale-up and ongoing operations
- Analyze experimental data and translate findings into actionable business insights
- Document research and maintain accurate technical records
- Serve as a subject matter expert, supporting supply chain and troubleshooting challenges
- Communicate key findings through reports and presentations to stakeholders
Benefits
- Opportunities for professional growth within a global organization
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
