Senior Applications Scientist Colors CD&D - Erlanger, KY

Job Description

Senior Applications Scientist Colors CD&D
- Erlanger, KY

The Senior Scientist, Color Applications will serve as a technical expert in applying naturally derived colors across diverse food and beverage systems. Working within a leading color ingredient supplier, this role focuses on evaluating color performance, stability, and sensory impact in real-world applications and supporting customers as they transition from synthetic (FD&C) colors to alternatives from natural sources. The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge of food science and color behavior with strong customer-facing skills to deliver practical, innovative solutions that meet both regulatory and consumer expectations.

• Application Development & Testing
  • Design and execute experiments to evaluate performance of naturally‑derived colors in various food and beverage matrices, including visual performance, taste and potential interactions with other ingredients.
  • Assess color stability under different processing, pH, light and storage conditions.
  • Generate data and technical insights to guide formulation recommendations for customers.
  • In partnership with Color Scientists, may develop color formulations to meet performance requirements in target applications.
• Customer Collaboration & Support
  • Partner with customers to facilitate concept‑through‑commercialization project management as they shift away from FD&C colors.
  • Work directly with CD&D and customers’ product development teams to identify suitable color solutions for their applications.
  • Provide technical guidance during reformulation projects converting FD&C colors to natural sources.
  • Conduct on‑site trials, demonstrations and troubleshooting as needed.
• Technical Communication
  • Translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for both internal teams and external customers.
  • Prepare application reports, presentations and technical documentation to support sales and marketing efforts.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership
  • Collaborate with internal CD&D, Regulatory, Marketing and Commercial teams to ensure proposed color solutions meet performance, compliance and customer expectations.
  • Contribute to the development of technical training materials and best‑practice guides for color use.
• Innovation & Market Insight
  • Stay current on emerging trends in color technology, clean‑label reformulation and consumer preferences.
  • Identify opportunities to expand application knowledge and improve the performance of existing color products.

• Bachelor’s or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in food and beverage product development or applications science, preferably within an ingredient or color supplier environment.
• Strong understanding of color chemistry, food formulation and processing interactions affecting color performance.
• Demonstrated ability to design and interpret application trials and communicate results effectively to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience supporting customers through reformulation or conversion projects from synthetic to natural ingredients.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and project management skills.

• Familiarity with global regulatory frameworks for colors and additives.
• Experience with analytical and color measurement tools (spectrophotometry, colorimetry, etc).
• Practical knowledge of ingredient interactions (proteins, emulsifiers, acids, etc.) affecting color stability.
• Strong customer orientation and ability to thrive in a collaborative, solution‑driven environment.

• Laboratory and pilot‑scale testing environment with periodic travel (up to 20%) to customer sites and trade shows.

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well‑being, including

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on‑site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness – flexible spending…