Hiring: Senior Scientist - Color Innovation Company: Kalsec Inc. Location: Kalamazoo, MI Job Posted Time: 2026-09-03 10:45:15 Target Skills & Keywords : R About the job Experience: •2-5 years of experience in natural colors or related areas •5 years of experience in natural colors or related areas Required Skills: •The Senior Scientist – Color Innovation is responsible for the development and application of natural color systems across a wide range of food and beverage applications. This role combines strong food chemistry expertise with hands-on product development to create stable, vibrant, and regulatory-compliant color solutions. •The position leads formulation, experimental design, and application activities, translating scientific understanding of pigments, degradation pathways, and matrix interactions into commercially viable solutions. This role plays a critical part in advancing natural color technologies and supporting customer-driven innovation. •Lead the development of natural color systems for food and beverage applications for key customers, with a focus on stability, performance, and scalability •Apply food chemistry principles (pH, oxidation, light/heat stability, ingredient interactions) to optimize color performance across different matrices •Design and execute experiments related to pigment behavior, extraction, stabilization, formulation, and processing •Evaluate color stability and shelf life across different product matrices and processing conditions •Conduct analytical and stability testing (spectrophotometry, color measurement, degradation studies) and interpret results to guide development decisions •Translate laboratory findings into prototype formulations and application-ready solutions Qualifications: •M.S. or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific field •Strong knowledge of food chemistry and ingredient interactions •Hands-on laboratory experience including formulation, extraction, and analytical testing •Demonstrated capacity to translate scientific data into practical, application-focused solutions •Strong experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving skills •Direct experience with natural colors, including anthocyanins, carotenoids, turmeric, spirulina, betanin, and related pigments •Understanding of mechanisms affecting color stability, including oxidation, pH effects, heat and light degradation, and metal interactions •Operational familiarity with ingredient labeling, regulatory considerations, and clean-label trends •Laboratory-based role involving work with liquids, powders, solvents, and food systems and processing •Standing and laboratory work required for extended periods Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!