Sr. Flavor Scientist

About us

At the forefront of farming and food, Upside Foods is innovating new ways to produce real meat, without the need to breed, feed and slaughter animals. Our process begins with an animal cell, which is cultivated and harvested as meat.  Upside Foods is a mission-driven company focused on bringing to meat lovers an authentic product that is truly humane, sustainably produced, nutritious and delicious! We are now expanding our team of dedicated professionals across disciplines to make better meat for a better world.

About this job

The Sr. Flavor Scientist is a key member of the F&P (Formulation and Product) team.  This position will work closely with the upstream R&D (Research and Development) team to develop cell-cultured meat materials that meet the target material profiles.  This position will also work closely with F&P team in identifying and creating flavors that can deliver the target flavor profiles for cell-cultured meat and seafood products.  The Sr. Flavor Scientist will develop the strategies and techniques in creating flavors to meet the company's overall goal for cell-cultured meat and seafood products.  The Sr. Flavor Scientist will serve as the subject matter expert for the company and be the key person for the company in collaborating with strategic flavor house partners to deliver short and long term key innovation priorities.  The Sr, Flavor Scientist will also lead the overall flavor development program for the company and guide the project team in the decision making progress to achieve the key results.  

Duties include

• Lead flavor development projects that result in creation of cell-cultured meat products that meet the target flavor profiles set by the project team.
• Design and conduct experiments that deploy a variety of analytical assays to identify the key flavor compounds in creating cell-cultured meat and seafood materials. 
• Discover, understand and create flavors for cell-based meat and seafood materials.
• Design and conduct experiments to understand and create flavors for cell-based meat and seafood products.
• Integrate information from cross-functional teams in building and developing flavor technology platforms to meet company’s short and long term goals in delivering delicious cell-cultured meat and seafood products.
• Conduct research to understand flavor change over time to optimize product flavor profiles.
• Collaborate with external suppliers/partners in identifying new flavors and flavor technologies
• Accurately and consistently records experimental methods, materials and results in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Analyze data, evaluate results, form conclusions and implement/document process improvements, integrate previous and current results to determine next experimental steps and the impact of long-range project goals
• Communicate reports in a clear and concise manner to cross-functional teammates and the senior leadership team
• Stay abreast of relevant and current flavor technologies

About you

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Food Science, Material Science, Biochemistry,  Bio-organic chemistry or applicable industry experience in related areas
• 5 to 10 years of experience working in the flavor industry, preferably designing and creating flavors for meat, poultry and seafood products in both ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products
• EXperience in reaction flavors, flavor interactions and flavor maskers.
• Experience in lipid chemistry, key flavor and aroma compounds in meat and seafood
• Ability to utilize statistic programs to analyze and interpret data, communicate and provide recommendations as needed
• Extensive experience in identifying and creating flavor compounds to meet overall product target flavor profiles
• Deep knowledge in flavor chemistry and creating flavor profiles of meat and seafood products.
• Experience in designing and developing analytical assays to identify key flavor compounds
• Experience in product development process
• Experience in applied sensory research is highly desirable
• A self-starter with high curiosity, highly motivated by discovering and learning new technologies.
• Must be a good human who enjoys learning and contributing alongside other good humans