Flavor Chemist

Our client is a well-established bakery manufacturer that is looking for a Flavor Chemist to join the innovation team and lead the development of unique, consumer-driven flavor profiles for our food products. This role will focus on the creation, analysis, and optimization of flavor systems, with a strong emphasis on natural ingredients and sensory impact. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of flavor chemistry and a passion for crafting memorable taste experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and formulate new flavor systems for a variety of food applications (snacks, bakery, beverages, etc.).
• Modify and optimize existing flavor profiles to improve sensory appeal, stability, and cost-efficiency.
• Work with natural and artificial flavor compounds, essential oils, extracts, and fermentation-based ingredients.
• Conduct flavor analysis using GC-MS, HPLC, and other analytical tools.
• Collaborate with sensory scientists to evaluate flavor performance and consumer acceptance.
• Ensure flavor consistency across production batches and shelf life.
• Stay current with global flavor trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies.
• Explore novel flavor delivery systems (e.g., encapsulation, emulsions) and clean label alternatives.
• Partner with marketing and culinary teams to translate concepts into commercially viable products.
• Ensure all flavor ingredients and formulations comply with regulatory standards (FDA, GRAS, etc.).
• Maintain accurate documentation and support labeling requirements.
• Collaborate with QA and regulatory teams during product development and commercialization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• 3-7 years of experience in flavor development or flavor chemistry in the food or beverage industry.
• Strong knowledge of flavor compound interactions, volatility, and stability.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and sensory evaluation techniques.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Certification from the Society of Flavor Chemists or similar organization.
• Experience with plant-based and natural flavor systems.
• Familiarity with flavor masking and enhancement technologies.
• Knowledge of global flavor profiles and cultural taste preferences.