Sr. R&D Food Scientist IV - Dairy

• Lead formulation and product development for dairy frozen novelties, translating consumer and business objectives into robust, scalable product formulations that meet cost, quality, and sensory targets.
• Design, optimize, and validate complex dairy formulations, including management of fat, protein, sugar, stabilizer, and emulsifier systems to achieve desired texture, stability, and sensory performance.
• Drive benchtop innovation and prototype iteration, utilizing advanced knowledge of dairy chemistry, frozen structure dynamics, and ingredient functionality
• Ensure seamless technology transfer from lab to plant, leading pilot and full-scale production trials to validate formulations, optimize processes, and resolve formulation-to-processing challenges.
• Serve as the on-site R&D technical lead during commercialization, troubleshooting process deviations, ingredient variability, and texture or overrun issues to ensure consistent product quality at scale.
• Apply deep understanding of sensory science and flavor development to guide product design, conduct structured sensory evaluations, and interpret results to inform data-driven product refinements.
• Provide comprehensive technical documentation including formulation sheets, processing parameters, and scale-up guidelines to ensure manufacturing adherence to R&D intent.
• Build and maintain strong technical partnerships with ingredient suppliers, evaluating new dairy components, flavor systems, and process aids for innovation and differentiation.
• Monitor production performance to confirm process control, product consistency, and compliance with R&D-developed specifications, collaborating with Quality to address deviations.
• Stay at the forefront of dairy science and frozen product technology, monitoring advancements in ingredient functionality, processing techniques, and clean-label formulation strategies, and translating these insights into actionable innovation opportunities.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments, applying scientific problem-solving to enhance product quality and profitability
• Conduct post-trial analyses and apply scientific principles to improve formulations and processes
• Perform risk assessments, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement solutions to improve quality, efficiency, and/or product performance
• Manage multiple projects at once with minimal supervisor guidance using clear communication, prioritization, and multitasking skills
• Monitor domestic and global trends related to flavors and ingredients for frozen treats

• Integrate food safety principles into every stage of product development — from concept to commercialization.
• Work closely with QA, Regulatory, and Operations teams to ensure food safety compliance.
• Ensure all R&D data and experimental results are properly recorded and traceable.
• Identify and implement innovative food safety technologies
• Adhere to GMPs as is required of all JP personnel

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of R&D experience in the dairy or frozen novelty industry (mandatory).
• Proven track record in ice cream or frozen dessert formulation, processing, and commercialization.
• Strong understanding of dairy chemistry, emulsions, fat crystallization, overrun control, and texture optimization.
• Experience with pilot-scale and full-scale processing equipment (freezers, homogenizers, pasteurizers, etc.).
• Familiarity with ingredient functionality, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and sweetener systems.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
•  Able to perform basic mathematical calculations and analyses.
•  Ability to interpret lab results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.   
• Alignment to our mission to spread kindness – JonnyPops is a kindness-based company
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

JonnyPops offers a competitive benefits package which includes the following:

• Medical/Health Insurance


• Dental Insurance


• Vision Insurance


• HSA


• FSA


• DCFSA


• Life & AD&D Insurance


• Short & Long Term Disability


• FTO/PTO


• EAP Programs


• Paid Holidays


• Employee Referral Program


• Sick & Safe Leave


• 401k


• Company Sponsored Meal Plan

* Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses and/or commissions.