Principal Scientist- Food & Beverage
Milwaukee, WI | $125,000 - $140,000 + Benefits
Shape the Future of Food & Beverage Innovation
Are you an expert in emulsion science with a passion for solving complex formulation challenges?
We are seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the development, optimization, and commercialization of advanced emulsion systems for food and beverage applications. This is a high-impact opportunity to work at the intersection of science, innovation, and customer collaboration while driving next-generation ingredient solutions.
In this role, you'll serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert, partnering with cross-functional teams and customers to develop stable, scalable, and high-performing emulsion technologies that meet both commercial and regulatory requirements.
What You'll Do
Develop and optimize oil-in-water, water-in-oil, and specialty emulsion systems for food and beverage applications
Design and execute formulation experiments to improve stability, functionality, and scalability
Apply expertise in emulsifier selection, interfacial chemistry, and stabilization mechanisms
Solve Complex Technical Challenges
Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues related to phase separation, instability, pH, temperature, and processing conditions
Evaluate emulsion performance including color stability, dispersion characteristics, and sensory impact
Establish robust testing protocols, analytical methods, and product specifications
Drive Commercial Success
Lead pilot plant and scale-up activities from bench development through commercial production
Collaborate with R&D, Applications, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams
Partner directly with customers to understand technical challenges and deliver innovative solutions
Influence Future Technologies
Stay at the forefront of emerging ingredient technologies and advancements in emulsion science
Contribute technical leadership across strategic product development initiatives
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
10+ years of experience in emulsion science, food science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
Deep expertise in emulsion formulation, stabilization mechanisms, and surfactant/emulsifier systems
Strong experience supporting beverage systems and/or liquid food applications
Proven success scaling products from laboratory development to pilot and commercial manufacturing
Strong understanding of physical chemistry, colloidal systems, and rheology
Hands-on experience with analytical techniques including particle size analysis, microscopy, and stability testing
Demonstrated project leadership and ability to manage multiple technical initiatives
Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with natural colors, flavors, or functional ingredients
Customer-facing technical support or applications experience
Knowledge of food and beverage regulatory and quality requirements
Experience in fast-paced, innovation-driven product development environments
Education
BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline
Strong foundation in physical chemistry, colloid science, or interfacial science preferred
Why Join Us?
Lead high-visibility technical projects that directly impact customers and commercial success
Collaborate with industry-leading scientists and innovators
Work on cutting-edge food and beverage technologies
Influence next-generation emulsion platforms and ingredient solutions
Enjoy a collaborative culture focused on innovation, scientific excellence, and continuous growth
Compensation
Base Salary: $125,000 - $140,000
If you're passionate about translating advanced emulsion science into real-world commercial solutions, we'd love to hear from you.
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As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
Why Kelly ® Science & Clinical?
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About Kelly
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