Associate Principle Scientist

Location: East Hanover

Job Title:

Associate Principal Scientist

Job Description

We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in fats and oils, with a focus on their application in biscuit formulations and production processes. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in fat blooming, fat crystallization, and stabilization in crème-type applications. This role requires the ability to develop, execute, and drive technical projects with strong scientific rigor, and requires strong project management capabilities and a solid understanding of R&D processes, methodology, and cross-functional workflows.

You will be expected to engage with internal global SMEs to leverage existing knowledge and build upon established technical learnings.

Responsibilities

+ Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in fats and oils, particularly in biscuit formulations.

+ Develop and execute technical projects with scientific rigor.

+ Manage projects effectively and influence stakeholders across R&D.

+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance R&D processes.

+ Engage with global SMEs to utilize and expand existing technical knowledge.

Essential Skills

+ Expertise in fats and oils applications, especially in biscuit formulations.

+ Experience in crème-type applications for biscuits and foods.

+ Strong project management skills.

+ MS or PhD in Food Science or related sciences.

+ 8 years of industry experience.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+

Experience with fat blooming, crystallization, and stabilization.

Work Environment

This position operates Monday through Friday, with a flexible start time of 7:30 or 9:00 AM. You are expected to work on-site in East Hanover from Tuesday to Thursday, with the option to work from home on Mondays and Fridays. 20% travel is expected, especially in the initial 2-3 months for onboarding and technology immersion. The role involves a balanced mix of desk and bench work, designing experiments, and scaling concepts for testing in manufacturing plants.

The work environment includes operating in over 150 countries with significant international brand recognition. Employees are provided with free lunch Monday through Friday.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of East Hanover, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $67.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

- Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in East Hanover,NJ.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccom (%20actalentaccom)  for other accommodation options.