R&d Scientist

R&D Scientist

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative R&D Food Scientist to join our dynamic team. This role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and is passionate about applying cutting-edge ingredient technologiesespecially natural flavorsto real-world food and beverage products. You'll be the bridge between our ingredient portfolio and our customers' formulations, using your technical expertise and creative flair to develop customized solutions that meet flavor, functionality, and clean-label demands. From concept development to commercialization, you'll lead projects that push boundaries and elevate product performance.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and optimize food and beverage products using our proprietary ingredients, with a strong emphasis on natural flavors.
• Design and execute application trials to demonstrate ingredient performance in customer-specific prototypes and present technical solutions to internal teams and external customers.
• Conduct sensory evaluations, stability testing, and shelf-life studies to validate product performance.
• Work directly with customers to understand their product goals, challenges, and formulation requirements.
• Translate customer needs into actionable development plans and ingredient solutions.
• Provide technical support during customer trials, scale-up, and commercialization phases.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on ingredient functionality, flavor systems, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Skills

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Work Environment

This position is based in a lab / kitchen setting where you will work hands-on with ingredient technologies and collaborate closely with internal teams and customers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Saint Louis, Missouri.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50000.00 - $150000.00 / 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 Saint Louis, MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 5, 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 acta Lentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.