R&D Food Scientist (Product development)

Adecco Healthcare & Life Sciences is hiring - Food Scientist, Product DevelopmentLocation: Downers Grove, ILPay: $30-40/hr, depending on education and relevant experienceDuration: 3 months Contract-to-hire with intent for permanent placement based on performance and fitAdeccoHealthcare & Life Sciences is supporting a leading company known for developing high-quality nutritional, functional food, and beverage products. We are seeking an innovative Food Scientist to join their R&D team in Downers Grove, IL. In this lab-based role, you will drive product development from concept through commercialization, ensuring exceptional taste, functionality, and quality. Product formats include powders, ready-to-eat, ready-to-drink, and dietary supplements.Key Responsibilities+ Innovate and create prototypes by experimenting with diverse formulations and flavor profiles, transforming concepts into commercially viable products.+ Reformulate existing products to meet evolving customer expectations while maintaining regulatory compliance and high-quality standards.+ Organize sensory panels and product testing to ensure products meet taste, performance, and sensory benchmarks.+ Evaluate ingredients and vendors, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance; build strong supplier relationships.+ Calculate preliminary product costs and support nutrition labeling, supplement facts panels, and formula costing.+ Oversee pilot and scale-up manufacturing runs, transitioning lab-scale experiments to full-scale production.+ Conduct analytical testing of raw materials and production trials to ensure formulations meet stability and performance criteria.+ Document all product development activities in lab notebooks and formula management systems.+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, production, and quality to support innovation and troubleshooting.+ Mentor junior food scientists and lab personnel while upholding strict lab and GMP safety protocols.Qualifications+ Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field required; Master's degree or certifications a plus.+ 3-5+ years of experience in food, beverage, or dietary supplement R&D. (Not open to candidates with solely quality backgrounds.)+ Strong knowledge of flavor systems with the ability to troubleshoot complex challenges.+ Experience with lab and production processes, raw material stability, and pilot-scale manufacturing.+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office; SAP experience preferred.+ Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.Additional Information+ This is a lab-based role with exposure to common food allergens (milk, soy, nuts, peanuts, wheat, egg, etc.).+ Candidate will participate in tasting across a variety of product types.Benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and 401K plan. Our program provides employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. Available paid leave may include Paid Sick Leave, where required by law; any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law; and Holiday pay upon meeting eligibility criteria.Pay Details: $30.00 to $40.00 per hourBenefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledMilitary connected talent encouraged to applyTo read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate toCompany will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:+ The California Fair Chance Act+ Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance+ Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers+ San Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceMassachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Created: 2026-05-09