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Job Title: Beverage R&D Scientist (Contract)

Job Description

This contract role in beverage research and development focuses on creating and optimizing innovative beverages for cafés and alternative business channels worldwide. You will help translate culinary concepts into scalable, high-quality products, using your foundation in food science, sensory science, and product development to deliver meaningful beverage experiences for customers. The position combines hands-on lab work, data-driven decision-making, and close collaboration with cross-functional partners in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support projects focused on cost optimization and beverage product development.
• Utilize data and insights to create and translate culinary concepts into food and beverage recipes and products that can be manufactured at scale while meeting product and operational requirements.
• Plan, prepare, and execute product evaluations and tastings, ensuring rigorous sensory assessment and clear documentation of results.
• Under supervision, apply technical knowledge to manage low-complexity manufacturing trials, including writing trial protocols and summarizing trial outcomes.
• Under supervision, apply technical knowledge and project learnings to create accurate and complete product specifications.
• Apply an initial understanding of business metrics and operating models to project plans and use project strategy and goals to design workplans with guidance.
• Complete assigned projects on time and adapt to changing priorities with agility and professionalism.
• Apply a basic understanding of trends and customer insights to create relevant products that support business growth, with support from more senior team members.
• Contribute to decision-making by using data and information from multiple sources to formulate recommendations and clearly communicate risks, unknowns, and options.
• Use logic and prior learnings for basic problem solving and navigate formal and informal channels with cross-functional partners and vendors to help resolve issues with guidance.
• Provide clear written and oral communication to convey ideas, insights, and project updates, ensuring non-technical partners understand technical issues, with guidance as needed.
• Collaborate closely with internal partners and cross-functional peers, influencing and supporting project work within a matrixed environment.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and build effective relationships across the functional organization.
• Maintain strong attention to detail and manage documentation, including specifications, protocols, and reports, in an accurate and organized manner.
• Connect regularly with internal partners and provide weekly progress updates on project status and key milestones.
• Consistently deliver service and work products that meet or exceed internal customer expectations.
• Make timely, quality decisions based on a combination of analysis, experience, judgment, and available data.
• Take personal responsibility for continuous learning and development of new knowledge, skills, and experiences related to food and beverage R&D.

Essential Skills

• Degree in food science or a closely related field.
• 1–2 years of experience in food and beverage product development, R&D, or a related function.
• Foundational knowledge of sensory science, experimental design, statistics, and consumer research methodologies.
• Knowledge of food and beverage technology, ingredient functionalities, chemistry, or engineering, including processing and manufacturing.
• Knowledge of beverage ingredients such as sauces, syrups, dry mixes, dairy, aseptic products, and toppings.
• Knowledge of the development and scale-up of food and beverage products from concept to commercialization.
• Knowledge of food quality control, food safety, and microbiology principles.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to use data and logic to address technical and project challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical topics to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and experience handling technical documentation, specifications, and reports.
• Proficiency with basic lab equipment, including pH meters, solids measurement tools, and standard laboratory instruments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including strong skills in Excel.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and function effectively during times of uncertainty.
• Demonstrated results orientation, with a focus on achieving project goals and delivering outcomes.
• Ability to build effective relationships at all levels inside and outside the organization.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Co-op or internship experience in the food or beverage industry is highly beneficial.
• Experience with the product development process in an R&D environment.
• Experience applying sensory, chemistry, and microbiology concepts in practical product development settings.
• Experience supporting or executing scale-up activities for food and beverage products.
• Comfort working with and interpreting consumer research and experimental data.
• Strong customer focus and a commitment to delivering high-quality experiences for internal and external stakeholders.
• High level of ethics and integrity, consistently aligning behavior with organizational values and principles.
• Ability to remain calm, maintain perspective, and respond professionally in challenging situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to personal learning and continuous improvement.
• Ability to navigate and contribute within a broad, cross-functional network of partners and stakeholders.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite five days per week in Seattle within a highly collaborative, lab-based R&D environment. You will work regularly with basic laboratory equipment such as pH meters, solids measurement tools, and other standard food and beverage testing instruments, alongside daily use of the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel, for data analysis, documentation, and reporting. The team operates with a medium to high level of daily interaction, emphasizing frequent connection with internal partners and weekly progress updates. The culture values collaboration, transparency, and work–life balance, offering meaningful, impactful work with broad cross-functional exposure and opportunities to engage with local partnerships. The environment supports innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning, while expecting professionalism and readiness to participate in tastings, lab work, and on-site trials as part of day-to-day activities.

We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification.

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. This temporary role may be eligible for the following:

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401(k)/Roth
• Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D
• Short and long-term disability
• HSA & DCFSA
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Paid Time off or State Sick Leave

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $33.00/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 fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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.