Sr Applications Scientist

Nature’s Fynd is a groundbreaking food tech company born out of NASA-supported research on extremophiles in the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park. Our novel fermentation technology produces a sustainable source of complete protein using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As the challenge to feed the world’s expanding population grows, our mission is to create amazing foods and materials that provide sustainable choices and nurture the planet.

We’re looking for passionate, driven, and ambitious people to join our fast-growing team.

As a Food Applications Scientist, you will be responsible for designing and running food and beverage application experiments with ingredients derived from our novel mycoprotein platform. This includes identifying promising food/beverage applications that drive business growth for existing ingredients as well as partnering with ingredient development teams to evaluate emerging ingredients. The Food Applications Scientist will also conduct ingredient characterization testing to inform performance in food and beverage systems. To achieve this, the scientist will investigate the interaction and functionality of mycoprotein and other functional ingredients for use in food and beverage.

The ideal Scientist will have a broad understanding of several food and beverage applications, including functional/nutritional beverages, dairy, extruded snacks, cereals, sauces, and dressings. Experience in conventional as well as plant-based or “alternative” products is desired. Previous experience supporting the sale of ingredients with applications expertise and/or technical service is also desired. A strong external network of third parties that can complement internal capability would additionally be valued.

The Food Applications Scientist would be expected to have a strong background in food science with exposure to ingredient science, protein chemistry, as well as experience in laboratory techniques involving the physical characterization of foods and ingredients. The Scientist will work closely with third parties, in addition to hands-on application work, to develop and support ingredient sales. Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, as well as experience in managing multiple projects in parallel, are also important for this role. This position will report directly to the Vice President of Ingredient Development.

This position will be based in Chicago, IL at our 2075 W 43rd St location.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Help build the organization’s technical understanding relating ingredient functionality to performance in food and beverage applications/products
• Working cross-functionally with internal and external product development teams to support business development efforts by identifying and conducting studies which demonstrate ingredient utility in high-potential applications
• Understand interaction(s) of the ingredient in food matrices with other functional ingredients
• Independently execute tasks including the development of new product applications, characterizing ingredients, and relating those measurements to application performance 
• Maintain a high level of awareness of technical trends and developments in the food and CPG industries
• Working well in teams to develop new technology and product applications you'd never achieve on your own
• Conduct bench-top work as well as coordinate the work of external resource, and analyze, summarize, and present insights that enable business growth
• Provide accurate, clear, and concise communication and reports on R&D activities

Role Requirements:

• M.S./Ph.D. (or extensive Industry experience) in Food Science or a related science field, with 5+ years of related food industry experience
• Experience leveraging ingredients in diverse food and beverage applications
• Expertise with a range of analytical techniques relevant for food science
• Experience working with third parties to generate meaningful product applications and business insights
• Interest in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and willingness to brainstorm on topics outside your area of research
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills

Personal Qualifications:

• Comfortable working in a startup environment, entrepreneurial mindset, and enthusiasm for innovation and business impact
• Emphasis on personal transparency and accountability
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently & with a team
• Ability to manage workflow for multiple projects and tasks
• Detail-oriented, organized, and capacity to meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, across organizational functions
• Exhibit a strong sense of professional and personal integrity
• Inherent curiosity and creativity in solving problems to understand how things work
• Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information
• Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work enthusiastically within changing priorities

Benefits:

• Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program
• 100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Generous Parental leave policy
• Opportunity to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory that will revolutionize multiple industries
• Engaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow Fynders

Commitment To Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Belonging:

• Nature’s Fynd views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values

EEO Statement:

• We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law