What are the responsibilities and job description for the Flavor Scientist position at Ensign-Bickford Industries?
This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption.
Job Description
Overview/Objective
AFB International is a global leader in pet food palatability, developing and producing a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers. We partner with pet food manufacturers to create better-tasting foods, treats, and supplements for dogs and cats. AFB is part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), a privately-owned high-technology conglomerate, with offices and production facilities across the USA (HQ), Europe, Latin America, Mexico, Australia, and China.
Our Science & Technology (S&T) team is a global group dedicated to developing innovative tools, technologies, and scientific insights that support long-term business growth. We think strategically, explore newscience, and deliverIP andsolutions that shape the future of pet food palatability.
As aFlavourScientist - Aroma in our Science & Technology team, you will focus on aroma chemistry, volatile analysis, and sensory evaluation to advance theflavourperformance of ourpalatants. You will investigate how aromas are formed, stabilized, and perceived, while designing experiments to link aroma chemistry to palatability outcomes. Collaboration with analytical scientistsand data scientists will be key to developing innovativepalatantsthat meet the needs of pets and their owners.
Responsibilities
Conduct research on aroma formation mechanisms (Maillard reaction, lipid oxidation, enzymatic reactions) inpalatantsystems.
Apply volatile analysis techniques (GC-MS) toidentifyand quantify key aroma compounds.
Design and execute experiments to evaluate how processingimpactaroma generation and stability.
Develop strategies to enhance aromaintensity,in pet food applications.
Correlate volatile profiles with sensory and palatability outcomes in pets.
Utilize advanced analytical and sensory tools to characterize aroma performance and drive optimization.
Collaborate with product and process sciences teams to integrate aroma insights into product innovation.
Scout and evaluate new aroma ingredients, precursors, and technologies from suppliers, academia, and the broaderflavourindustry.
Generate reports, data interpretations, and presentations to communicate findings and guide product development.
Contribute to building internalexpertiseandknowledgeleadership in aroma chemistry and volatile analysis for pet foodpalatants.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Bsc,MSc or PhD inFlavorChemistry, Food Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Sensory Science, or relatedfield.
Provenexpertisein aroma chemistry and volatile analysis, withstrongunderstanding offlavorformation pathways.
Experience with analytical instrumentationin particular gas chromatography.
Familiarity with sensory evaluation methods and ability to link aroma chemistry to palatability outcomes.
Experience designing and conducting research projects and translating findings into product innovation.
Strong analytical mindset withabilityto interpret complex datasets and generate actionable insights.
Collaborative, innovative, and comfortable working in cross-functional R&D environments.
Excellent communication skills in both technical and applied contexts.
Technical Skills:
Volatile Analysis: GC-MS, SPME.
Aroma Chemistry: Maillard reaction, lipid oxidation, enzymatic pathways.
Sensory Science: Discrimination and preference tests, aroma profiling.
Data Analysis: Experimental design, multivariate statistics, datavisualization.
Innovation Scouting: Ability toidentifyand adapt emerging aroma technologies from human food andflavorindustries to the pet food context.
AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.
Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.