Food Science Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Description
Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.
Job Description
The Food Science Associate works on the characterization of plant proteins and other food ingredients and supports development of plant-based food and beverage products. This role involves taking responsibility for planning and executing experiments and/or sensory trials, leading activities within cross-functional projects, presenting data and collaborating closely with research, analytical, engineering and product development teams.
Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions
• Take responsibility to elaborate approach and execute trials by being given general direction.
• Lead activities within cross-functional projects.
• Conduct experiments to characterize and evaluate functional properties of proteins and other food ingredients and validate performance in adequate model formulations.
• Develop and/or optimize characterization methods and model recipes based on literature and/or experience and write SOPs.
• Capture, analyze and present results to colleagues and stake holders.
• Support food and beverage product development on the kitchen and the pilot plant scale.
• Give technical support to commercial team and customers.
• Ensure all the results are reported in a quality and timely manner.
• Carry out basic troubleshooting of used equipment.
• Keep order and hygiene in all areas.
• Practice LDC's safety standards at all times.
• Support innovation pipeline, business case development, and IP filings
Additional Responsibilities Functions
• Contribute to training and capability building.
• Attend Ingredient shows and host the Plant Protein booth, engage with customers, support commercial efforts.
• Other duties as assigned by management.
Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses
• Bachelor's degree in food science, protein chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related field with 2+ years of experience.
• Alternatively, Associate in Science, Food Science and Technology or related field degree with 4+ years of relevant food industry experience.
Qualifications
Experience
Basic qualification:
• Experience in methods and equipment used to assess protein physicochemical and functional properties
• Capacity to work independently
• Experience in prototyping or product development
• Experience in sensory evaluation tools
• Experience in SOP and R&D report writing
Preferred qualification:
• Experience in methods and equipment used to assess starch, fiber and hydrocolloid physicochemical and functional properties
• Experience in LIMS and ELN
• Experience in AI tools
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Basic qualifications:
• Data reporting and presentation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines.
• Proactively approaches job duties and potential problems.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Laboratory etiquette & skills.
Preferred qualification:
• Knowledge in food ingredient chemistry.
Additional Information
Equipment Used
• Laboratory research equipment: glassware, pipettes, pH meter, water bath, high-shear mixer, homogenizer, centrifuge, particle size analyzer, viscometer, rheometer, turbiscan, spectrophotometer, texture analyzer, kitchen appliances etc.
• Typical office equipment: PC, printer/scanner.
Working Conditions
• Time split between pilot plant, office and lab environments. There may be extended periods of sitting or standing at a computer screen or counter.
• Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and Company locations.
• Interacts closely with middle and senior management personnel.
• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies.
What We Offer
We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.
- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)
Diversity & Inclusion
LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.
LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
Equal employment opportunity (EEO)
Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Sustainability
Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.
We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us