Associate Food Scientist
The Associate Food Scientist supports new product development, optimization, and innovation within the biscuit category by collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute R&D projects from concept to commercialization. This entry-level role involves conducting pilot plant trials, analytical testing, data analysis, and maintaining technical documentation while ensuring compliance with food safety standards such as GMP and HACCP. The position offers hands-on experience in product development and scale-up in a fast-paced, onsite R&D environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, engineering and sciences services and talent solutions.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring an Associate Food Scientist to join a Research & Development team supporting the biscuit category. This entry-level, contract role will help move projects from concept to commercialization while following food safety and quality standards. You will work cross-functionally with Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality and Procurement and participate in pilot-plant and factory trials.
- Organize and execute R&D projects that align with marketing and manufacturing objectives
- Communicate project status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders
- Plan, coordinate, and run pilot plant and factory trials per GMP and HACCP requirements
- Support formulation work, shelf-life studies, quality evaluations, and consumer test prep
- Analyze experimental and stability data; prepare clear technical reports and recommendations
- Create and maintain product specifications and technical documentation
- Lead development tasks for assigned products and support broader category innovation
- Use specification management systems, data logging tools, SAP and Minitab for analysis and reporting
- Process purchase orders for ingredients, packaging, and development materials
- Prepare, package, and distribute samples for internal and external testing
- Adapt quickly to new technologies, systems, and processes in a fast-paced R&D environment
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific field
- 1–3 years’ experience in the food industry, product development, or flavor applications laboratory
- Solid understanding of food science principles and product development workflows
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP standards
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities concurrently
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting new product development and commercialization projects
- Exposure to pilot plant operations and scale-up activities
- Working knowledge of SAP, Minitab, or similar technical software
- Experience creating product specifications and technical documentation
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour (hourly contract rate)
- Final compensation will depend on qualifications, experience, location, and other job-related factors.
- If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include: medical, dental & vision; critical illness, accident & hospital plans; 401(k) options; voluntary life & AD&D; short- and long-term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance program; and paid time off policies (eligibility varies).
Workplace & Location
- Employment type: Contract (onsite)
- Workplace: Fully onsite in East Hanover, NJ (this posting uses the authoritative location: East Hanover, NJ, US)
- Anticipated application close date: Sep 2, 2026
Accommodations & Hiring Practices
Confidential Client and Careertakes are committed to an inclusive hiring process. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact Careertakes or the client directly to request assistance.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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