Ice Cream Research & Development Scientist

SHIFT:

• Days, Monday through Friday
• Occasional after hours work, depending on business needs.

BENEFITS:

• We are delighted to offer a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are looking for a highly skilled and innovative Ice Cream Research & Development Scientist to lead the formulation, testing, and enhancement of new and existing ice cream and frozen dessert products. This role focuses on developing unique recipes, refining flavor, texture, and stability, researching ingredient functionality, and ensuring food safety and quality regulations compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science and dairy processing with firsthand expertise in bulk, novelties ice creams, and frozen desserts. The individual will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product success from concept to commercialization. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a cutting-edge greenfield project, playing a key role in building a state-of-the-art ice cream facility. The position offers a dynamic, collaborative work environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and professional growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Product Development & Formulation

• Develop and optimize ice cream and frozen dessert formulations, ensuring quality, taste, and functionality.
• Research and implement new ingredients, flavors, and processing techniques.
• Conduct benchtop trials, prototype development, stability and sensory evaluations.
• Develop and implement appropriate analytical testing methods.

Plant Trials & Production Support

• Plan, execute, and oversee pilot plant trials and full-scale production trials to ensure scalability.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot and refine production processes.
• Ensure smooth transitions from R&D to full-scale manufacturing.
• Work closely with Sales and Marketing to support customer requests and commercialization.

Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare and maintain product documentation, including ingredient lists, plant trial reports, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Ensure all formulations comply with FDA, USDA, and food safety regulations.
• Lead specification creation and management in ERP systems.
• Communicate technical results and insights effectively to cross-functional teams.

Vendor & Ingredient Management

• Research and source high-quality ingredients and suppliers for ice cream production.
• Collaborate with purchasing and inventory teams to manage ingredient procurement and consistency.
• Conduct ingredient evaluations and quality assessments.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Sales, Marketing, Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Regulatory teams to ensure successful product development and launches.
• Conduct product showcasing and consumer testing to evaluate new formulations.
• Engage with current and future customers to convert concepts to products, troubleshoot, and support the product development process.

Project Management

• Manage multiple product development projects, ensuring on-time and in-full delivery.
• Utilize project management tools to track progress and meet business objectives.
• Continuously seek process improvements and best practices for product innovation. 

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Required: A minimum of a master’s degree in food science, dairy science, or a related field. (Ph.D. is a plus)

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years in food product development, preferably in ice cream, dairy, or frozen desserts. 
• Prior experience in a greenfield ice cream plant is an advantage. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and food processing.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Experience working with FDA, GMPs, HACCP, and food labeling requirements.
• Software Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with experience in Formulation software or related specification systems, is a plus.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, communication, and teamwork abilities to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with high-protein, clean-label ice cream, novelties, and frozen desserts development.
• Familiarity with freezing and ice cream packaging technologies and alternative ingredients.
• Strong background in sensory analysis, product optimization, and consumer insights.

Physical Requirements:

• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Walking: occasional moving about on foot to accomplish some tasks.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.  Includes activities in which they must accurately, loudly, or quickly convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers.
• Subject to up to at least 92db’s. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Stand for long periods of time.

To apply for this position, please visit our website at www.idahomilkproducts.com