Website Clara Foods
We are looking for a passionate and experienced food scientist to join our New Product Development team. Candidates who understand food chemistry, ingredient functionalities (preferably proteins and hydrocolloids), processing principals and evaluation tools (texture, sensory, etc.) and who are not hesitant to make, tweak and demo various food concepts/products are encouraged to apply.
We are building an amazing team of brilliant, collaborative and mission-driven individuals who take pride in using their diverse skills to contribute to a better world. Our core values include tenacity, curiosity, trust, teamwork, inclusivity and balance and we strive to bring these values to life every day.
Join our team, own your destiny, and lead the world’s transition to animal-free protein.
Reporting to: Director of New Product Development
FLSA status: Exempt, Full Time
Location: South San Francisco, CA
Roles and Responsibilities:
As a key member of the New Product Development team, you will own/lead projects independently from planning and designing to execution and data reporting. You may be tasked with:
Ingredient characterization tests (e.g. solubility, viscosity, pH, foaming, gelation, emulsification, etc.).
Evaluation of ingredient performance in food model systems (e.g. texture, sensory, etc.).
Development of formulation and process specifications for various food applications (e.g. bakery, meat/meat analogues, beverages, cheeses, etc.).
Preparation of demo samples for customers and investors.
Summarizing and reporting results to internal and external stakeholders.
Cross-functional work with Quality and Regulatory, Marketing and Manufacturing on new product development and launch.
Collaboration with suppliers and vendors to effectively source materials and services.
Collaboration with research institutions to conduct analytical as well as nutritional testing as needed.
Ensure compliance with food laws and regulations.
Other assigned tasks as needed.
Qualification and skill requirements
BS in Food Science with 7+ years; MS with 5+ years; or PhD with 3+ years of active food product development experience. Advanced knowledge in food chemistry (preferably protein chemistry), ingredient functionality and interactions, food processing and evaluation techniques is required.
Ability to report lab results with high level summaries while keeping detailed lab records is required.
Prior applications/characterization experience with proteins (plant and/or animal) is preferred.
Knowledge of fundamentals and practices of sensory and consumer science is highly desirable.
Proven track record of launching new ingredients or consumer food products with stage gate process would be highly desirable.
Must be authorized to work in the United States for Clara Foods.
What Clara can offer:
Generous benefits package; 100% medical, dental, and vision employee coverage, 401k matching, and stock options
Weekly catered lunches
Optional benefits; FSA, HSA, Commuter, Pet Care, and additional life insurance
Flexible PTO and 10 paid company holidays per year
Free parking, unlimited gym access, lounge, mini-golf patio, yoga, and fitness classes onsite
Unlimited supply of sparkling water, granola bars, snacks, local coffee, and tea
Themed happy hours and quarterly company outings
Monthly all-hands meetings and opportunity to directly speak with CEO and leadership
Close to South San Francisco BART and Caltrain stations, including free shuttle service
Clara Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
