Flavor Applications Scientist

Who We Are

We’re a food company using sustainable ingredients and thoughtful food science to replicate our favorite foods in ways that make them more affordable, less harmful, and really, truly just as delicious. We believe that in our best future, the best foods - the ones we love the most - will not just be earth-friendly, but also easy to afford and hard to resist.

We’ve taken some of your favorite foods – think peanut butter, coffee & chocolate – and recreated them using upcycled ingredients and innovative food science. From food allergies to climate change and unjust labor practices, the foods you love are in serious need of an upgrade. Our Nut-Free Spreads, Bean-Free Coffee & Cocoa-Free Chocolate are top 9 allergen-free, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, affordable and most importantly, utterly delicious.

Earlier this year, we were proud to announce our global B2B partnership with Cargill and our $52 million Series A+ raise, in a round co-led by Level One Fund and Horizons Ventures, bringing our total funding raised to over $94 million. This funding is earmarked for hiring additional headcount, meeting greater than anticipated consumer and commercial demand, funding expanded manufacturing facilities, and building out our foodservice channel. It is a great time to join us on our voyage!

How We Work

We’re a rapidly growing team who value diversity in all its forms. We love adding new perspectives and appreciate those who ask questions that help us challenge assumptions, explore new directions, bias towards action, and improve what we’ve already built. We are a group of like-minded difference makers. Curiosity drives our development. We have tenacity and a risk-taking mentality at every level of our organization to keep challenging normalcy. We believe it’s our responsibility to create an environment in which every person can bring their full, authentic selves to work. We push each other to be our best and make every stakeholder  proud. Read more about us by visiting our careers page, learn more about our recent news, and follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram.

About the Role

Our Flavor Application Scientist is a key member of the R&D team, helping create flavor formulations to support the development of our food and beverage products. The Flavor Application Scientist will help fine tune our flavors for use in specific applications. This position leads efforts to modify and use flavors to give the final product exactly what it needs. The Flavor Application Scientist will work cross-functionally in a lab environment and coordinate with other lab personnel to conduct tests, gather data, and report the results. 

This is an exempt, non-supervisory position based at our Oakland, CA HQ location and will report directly to the Director of Research Integrations. 

What you’ll do 

• Develop and optimize innovative flavor formulations for a variety of applications, including beverages, baked goods, and confectionery products. 
• Develop and apply testing methods to assess stability of flavors through application and processing. 
• Assess new flavor technologies and ingredients.
• Develop and apply testing methods to assess stability of flavors through application and processing 
• Drive the investigation and discovery of new ingredients and technologies to provide technical solutions 
• Conducting experiments relevant to explore flavor generation pathways and applying findings in Product Development 
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to tight deadlines
• Translate customer needs into scientifically sound flavor solutions which can be applied to food products.
• Maintain organized and efficient laboratory equipment and environment, including maintaining records for easy retrieval and clarity.
• Communicate and collaborate across the company in a professional manner.

What makes you successful / What makes a great candidate 

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field. 
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in flavor development or food formulation.
• Experience in ingredients and technologies for food and beverage applications.
• An understanding of project management for new product commercialization.
• Excellent sensory skills and vocabulary. 
• Drive new initiatives with enthusiasm and seamlessly collaborate with cross-functional teams, bringing together diverse talents to create better flavors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, specifically the ability to connect scientific data to real tangible meaning in the food and beverage products you analyze. 
• Accuracy and detail-orientedness in all aspects of your role. 
• Comfortability and ability to thrive in ambiguity and a start-up environment.
• Curiosity with a penchant for experimentation, exploration, and collaboration. 

Physical Demands 

• Tasting and comparing the tastes of a full range of foods and food products (including dairy, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, grains, nuts, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, spices, and other foods) for different characteristics, such as appearance, smell, taste, flavor, and quality of ingredients. 
• Able to compound for production if needed and prolonged standing periods
• Extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Compensation

United States-based roles only: The Annual salary for this role is between $80,325-$94,500 plus immediate participation in our benefits program (health, dental, 401k and many others), utilization of our generous paid time off and, where applicable, participation in our incentive programs. All employees are owners of Voyage Foods and receive an equity grant as part of their total package. At Voyage Foods, we approach each individual's compensation with a promise of fair market value and internal equity commensurate with experience and specific skill set.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
• STD/LTD, Life and AD&D policies
• FSA, HRA, and Mental Health Program Benefits
• 401K Program
• Commuter Benefits
• 20 Paid Days Off + 9 Company Holidays
• Paid Family Leave Program
• Ongoing Team Events, including Weekly Friday Lunches
  
  
  

Voyage Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Voyage Foods is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Alex Chancellor, SHRM-SCP at [email protected] or (831) 277-0509.

Voyage Foods will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check.