• Sr. R&D Food Scientist

    Actalent (Racine, WI)


    Job Title: Sr. R&D Food ScientistJob Description

     

    The Sr. Food Scientist - R&D will lead and execute research projects focused on dairy-based ingredients, enzyme hydrolysis, and flavor formulation. This position requires a strong scientific foundation in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology or a related field, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams to drive innovation and process. In addition, this role is responsible for designing and conducting experiments, performing instrumental and analytical testing, interpreting data, and supporting product development initiatives for scale-up and commercialization. While not a managerial position, the Sr. Scientist will oversee one direct report, the R&D Lab Assistant, ensuring efficient laboratory operations and experimental support.

    Responsibilities

    + Lead and execute research projects on dairy-based ingredients, enzyme hydrolysis, and flavor formulation.

    + Design and conduct experiments, as well as perform instrumental and analytical testing.

    + Interpret data and support product development initiatives for scale-up and commercialization.

    + Oversee the R&D Lab Assistant, ensuring efficient laboratory operations and experimental support.

    + Collaborate across teams to drive innovation and process improvements.

    Essential Skills

    + Strong scientific foundation in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field.

    + Problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

    + Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.

    + Experience in developing and optimizing analytical testing methods based on literature and available lab equipment.

    + Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

    + Bachelors in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field is required. A Master’s or Ph.D. is a plus but not required.

    + Extensive experience in biotechnology, enzyme hydrolysis, or food science is required; experience with spray drying is a plus.

    + 3 - 5 years’ experience in a related field preferred.

    + Proven track record of initiating and managing new R&D projects.

    Work Environment

    This is a growing company that promotes from within and is expanding its product lines. A new lab is set to be built in the future across the street.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Racine, Wisconsin.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $38.46/hr.

     

    Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

     

    • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

     

    Workplace Type

     

    This is a fully onsite position in Racine,WI.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2025.

    About Actalent

    Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

     

    If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.