Associate Principle Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Associate Principal Scientist Job Description

We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in fats and oils, particularly within 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 robust project management capabilities. You will have a solid understanding of R&D processes, methodology, and cross-functional workflows, and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across R&D. The position also requires engaging with internal global SMEs to leverage existing knowledge and build upon established technical learnings.

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in fats and oils for biscuit formulations and production processes.
• Develop and manage technical projects with scientific rigor.
• Collaborate effectively with R&D stakeholders and influence decision-making.
• Engage with global SMEs to enhance technical knowledge and apply learnings.
• Participate in the design and execution of experiments and scaling concepts for manufacturing testing.
• Work cross-functionally with global R&D teams and prepare to lead a group to deploy crème solutions globally.

• Expertise in fat blooming, fat crystallization, and stabilization in crème-type applications.
• Strong project management skills.
• Deep understanding of R&D processes and methodologies.
• Ability to collaborate and influence stakeholders effectively.

• MS or PhD in Food Science or related sciences (open to candidates with lower degrees if they are SMEs in fats and oils).
• 8 years of industry experience.

This position operates on a Monday to Friday day shift, with flexible start times between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. You will be required to work on-site in East Hanover from Tuesday to Thursday, with the option to work from home on Monday and Friday. Expect 20% travel, especially in the first 2-3 months, to various bakery and manufacturing sites for technology immersion. The role involves a balance of desk and bench work, focusing on designing experiments and scaling concepts for testing in manufacturing plants. The company operates in over 150 countries with substantial international brand recognition. Employees enjoy free lunch Monday through Friday.

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

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)

This is a hybrid position in East Hanover,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 27, 2026.

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.