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Job Description Senior Scientist, CD&D Confections Colors - Erlanger, KYPosition Overview:The CD&D Colors Application Scientist (Confections) serves as a technical subject matter expert in color application across confectionery systems, delivering innovative, commercially viable color solutions that meet evolving customer, regulatory, and consumer demands.This role focuses on natural color performance in confection matrices (e.g., gummies, hard candy, panned products, chocolate systems), translating fundamental color science into practical applications that enable successful commercialization.The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in confection processing with strong knowledge of color chemistry, enabling them to solve complex stability and performance challenges while partnering closely with customers.Key Responsibilities:Application Development & TestingDesign and execute experiments evaluating color performance in confectionery systems (e.g., high/low moisture, gelatin vs. pectin systems, sugar vs. sugar-free).Assess color behavior under processing and storage conditions including:Heat (cooking, extrusion)pH variationWater activityLight exposure and shelf lifeAnalyze interactions between colors and confection ingredients (acids, sugars, polyols, fats, coatings).Generate actionable data to guide formulation and recommend optimized solutions.Subject Matter Leadership - ConfectionsAct as the go-to expert for confection applications across CD&D and commercial teams.Lead troubleshooting for complex challenges such as:Color fade or instabilityShade variability in panning/coating systemsMigration or bleeding issuesSupport development of best practices and application guidelines for internal and external stakeholders.Customer Collaboration & CommercializationPartner directly with customers' R&D teams to deliver Concept-through-Commercialization support, especially in transitions to Natural ColorsTranslate technical findings into clear, customer-ready recommendations.Participate in customer visits, presentations and pilot trials.Support business growth by enabling fit-for-purpose color solutions that meet cost, performance and regulatory needs.Innovation & Portfolio DevelopmentIdentify gaps and opportunities in the confection color portfolio.Collaborate with Color and Product Development teams to:Develop new formulationsImprove performance in challenging systems (i.e. high-acid gummies, fat-based coatings, etc)Contribute to innovation pipelines aligned to market trends and customer needs (i.e. clean label, reduced sugar, etc)Migration or bleeding issuesCross-Functional PartnershipWork closely with internal CD&D, Regulatory, Marketing and Commercial teams to ensure alignment between technical abilities and commercial strategy.Contribute to the development of technical training materials and best-practice guides for color use.QualificationsBachelor's or higher in Food Science, Chemistry or related field.5-10+ years in food applications, with strong focus on confectionery systemsDemonstrated experience in color application and troubleshootingExperience with natural colors and FD&C replacement strategies strongly preferredDeep knowledge of:Confection processing technologiesColor chemistry and stability principlesIngredient interactions in complex matricesHands-on experience with:Pilot plant / lab-scale confection productionAnalytical and sensory evaluation of color performanceKey CompetenciesStrong problem-solving and experimental design capabilityCustomer-facing communication skills (executive and technical audiences)Ability to translate technical insights into commercial impactCollaborative mindset across global teamsSuccess ProfileRecognized internally and externally as a confection color expertDrives high win rates through technically differentiated solutionsAccelerates customer transitions to natural colorsDemonstrates strong linkage between technical delivery and revenue generationExcited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. REF:110024BR Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. The pay range for this position is expected to be between: $125,600.00 - $185,000.00 Salaried Incentive PlanThe total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus and a long-term incentive plan Benefits and Perks Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including: Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable). Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection. Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares). Additional benefits include: Paid time off including paid holidays. Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave. Tuition assistance. Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs. *Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter. #IncludingYouDiversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM's efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments - environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law About ADM At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.