Physical Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Us
At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.
We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It's an old-fashioned approach-done with purpose.
Why Join Us
Our people are the key ingredient to our success. We offer a collaborative, innovative environment where you can grow your career and make an impact on global food and health solutions.
We provide a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, including:
• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with Company Contributions
• Medical, Dental, and Vision - Effective Day 1
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
• Work Flexibility
• Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization
• Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support
Overview
Are you an early-career food scientist ready to turn ingredient innovation into real products? Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition is hiring a Food Scientist to join our R&D team, where you'll partner with senior scientists to develop formulations, prototypes, and product concepts across a diverse portfolio of food categories. In this hands-on lab role, you'll lead short-term development projects, conduct sensory and shelf-life studies, document formulas in our system, and write SOPs that shape how we work - all while gaining mentorship from experienced R&D leaders at a global leader in amino acid science and food ingredient solutions. If you have a BS in Food Science (or a related field), lab experience, and a drive to translate science into customer-ready solutions, apply today
Qualifications
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
• BS in Food Science, Foods and Nutrition, or a related field of study
• Food industry experience a plus.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Self-motivated. Good interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively in a team environment. Knowledge of scientific and technical aspects of the operation. Must be able to transfer scientific knowledge to practical applications. Good oral and written communication and computer skills. Able to manage time effectively to meet deadlines and adjust quickly to changes in priorities.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
OCCUPATIONAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS: Fast paced food/bio-chemical/chemical manufacturing environment working inside and outside. This position may perform activities in an environment that contains hazardous elements and requires safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines. Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members. All safety procedures, procedures described in SOPs, BPRs, and support the compliance of applicable ISO standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires communication with different US locations and some overseas locations with time differences (e.g., Tokyo). Travel 5-20%, mostly domestic with occasional overseas.
Responsibilities

• Apply technical expertise in food science to ideate and develop product concepts/prototypes that solve for customer issues within the context of our portfolio of ingredient solutions. These projects will mainly relate to the application of savory flavor enhancers, sweeteners, and/or enzymes in a variety of food systems.
• Work with cross-functional team members (marketing, sales, technical services, culinary, etc.) to understand consumer trends and customer needs. Interact with the customer as needed.
  Under the direction of the Sr. Principal Scientist, develop new applications for Ajinomoto ingredients, including completion of necessary internal documentation.
• Conduct sensory evaluations of new products or processes. Participate on sensory panels helping other technical personnel with their work.
• Perform general laboratory activities, including, but not limited to, sample preparation, product testing, and basic analytics.
• Maintain files of all documents, assist in organization of lab materials. Update status of all work as required.
• Conduct and participate in shelf-life studies for Ajinomoto products, following established shelf life protocols.
• Perform all work in accordance with Ajinomoto GMP, Allergen, and Quality Programs and participate in annual training for these programs.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Other duties as assigned.
• Effectively collaborate with other scientists, culinary, sales, and marketing departments as well as participate in cross functional teams as requested.
Salary Range
80K - 87K
EEO Statement
Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.