R&D Scientist I LC
Date: Jul 24, 2025
Location: Norton Shores, MI
Company: Chobani
Summary
Our Research and Development department is at the forefront of product development and innovation. It is easy to be dedicated when you’re a part of something much bigger than yourself. We’ve got an unbridled appetite for making a difference. The ideal candidate has an integral role in leading the product development for our next wave of product innovations, while also leading with technical support to our growing base business. We are looking for a candidate with a strong food science foundation, and demonstrated expertise in product innovation, to help La Colombe advance its’ mission of making healthy and delicious plant-based foods.
Responsibilities
- Implement research and development plans and strategies for product development in support of company objectives
- Design and execute experiments aligned with project objectives; maintain detailed records, collect and analyze data, and prepare clear project summaries.
- Plan and carry out development work in lab and pilot scale; design, develop, and lead tests to qualify new products and to support changes to existing produc
- Perform analytical measurement and testing such as pH, viscosity, density, Brix, and total solids; design and execute shelf-life studies.
- Coordinate technical development projects focusing on product development, process, and product care to help Chobani improve and launch more innovative food and beverage products
- Lead and document development projects all the way from conceptualization to commercialization – this includes budget and target within certain time constraints
- Communicate project requirements and recommendations as well as status to internal customers and external partners
- Partner directly with plant processing and operations to lead trial runs and ensure smooth start-up execution.
- Follow Chobani’s safety procedures and Good Manufacturing procedures and practices
- Follow La Colombe’s safety procedures and Good Manufacturing procedures and practices
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field required; Master’s or advanced degree preferred.
- 1-3 years of food industry experience required, dairy and/or non-dairy is preferred
- Extensive ingredient (stabilizers & fortification), flavor development, and product stability knowledge
- Background in process and product development and commercialization of food processes is required. Dairy or Dairy Alternative processing would be a big bonus. Record of leading product development projects including timeline development/management, testing/trials, operational launch and scale
- Familiarity with basic research tools and statistical analysis
- Thrive in ambiguity and are motivated by the process of building something from the ground up
- Highly developed curiosity for understanding complex food systems from a physical and chemical perspective
- Maintain clean & safe manufacturing environment within all facilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Must be a self-starter able to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects/tasks at any given time
- Willingness to travel (10-20%)
About Us
La Colombe is a leading coffee roaster in pursuit of excellent coffee for all since its inception in 1994. Through ethical trade with growers, advocating for equity, and empowering their communities, La Colombe continues to be a pioneer and raises the standards for outstanding quality coffee. The brand is known for providing beloved signature blends, exceptional single-origin coffees, and the world's first-ever textured canned cold latte. La Colombe operates 32 cafés across Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Austin, and Washington, D.C. La Colombe's celebrated coffees are also available in cafés, hotels, restaurants and retailers worldwide. In 2023, La Colombe was acquired by Chobani, a next-generation food and beverage company on a mission to make nutritious food accessible to all.
For more information on La Colombe, visit www.lacolombe.com.
Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws.
La Colombe is a leading coffee roaster in pursuit of excellent coffee for all since its inception in 1994. Through ethical trade with growers, advocating for equity, and empowering their communities, La Colombe continues to be a pioneer and raises the standards for outstanding quality coffee. The brand is known for providing beloved signature blends, exceptional single-origin coffees, and the world's first-ever textured canned cold latte. La Colombe operates 32 cafés across Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Austin, and Washington, D.C. La Colombe's celebrated coffees are also available in cafés, hotels, restaurants and retailers worldwide. In 2023, La Colombe was acquired by Chobani, a next-generation food and beverage company on a mission to make nutritious food accessible to all.
For more information on La Colombe, visit www.lacolombe.com.
Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws.
Nearest Major Market: Muskegon
Nearest Secondary Market: Grand Rapids