About the company:
Nature’s Fynd is a Chicago-based food company creating versatile alternative proteins to nourish the world’s growing population while nurturing the planet. Born out of research conducted for NASA on microbes in Yellowstone National Park, the company’s breakthrough technology produces Fy™. Fy is a new-to-the-world, nutritional fungi protein that only uses a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. We use Fy to make delicious, nutritious, and sustainable meat and dairy alternatives.
Nature’s Fynd is a groundbreaking food tech company born out of NASA-supported research on extremophiles in the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park. Our novel fermentation technology produces a sustainable source of complete protein using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As the challenge to feed the world’s expanding population grows, our mission is to create amazing foods and materials that provide sustainable choices and nurture the planet.
We’re looking for passionate, driven, and ambitious people to join our fast-growing team.
As an Ingredient Scientist in the ingredient science (Fy Science) team you will be responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments to develop new applications of a mycoprotein for use in food. This includes identifying and evaluating new protein sources, evaluating functional ingredients, developing and optimizing ingredient formulations, and conducting sensory and nutritional analysis. This role will investigate the interaction and functionality of mycroproteins and other functional ingredients for the use in food. They should have a deep understanding of protein-based ingredients and their functional properties, and the ability to apply that knowledge to the development of new food products. The Scientist/Senior Scientist would be expected to have a strong background in food science, ingredient science, and biochemistry as well as experience in laboratory techniques such as rheology, texture analysis and other analytical methods. In addition to conducting experiments, the ingredient scientist would be responsible for interpreting data and communicating findings to a team of scientists, as well as collaborating with other departments such as R&D, QA/QC, product development and production. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as experience in project management, are also important for this role.
As an Ingredient Scientist at Nature’s Fynd, you will be a key member of the Fy Science team in R&D serving as a subject matter expert for analyzing the chemical properties of food ingredients and determining how they interact with each other. Additionally, they may work with other departments to improve the taste, texture, and appearance of products. A vast majority of this job will be on site. This position will report directly to the Manager of Fy Science. This position will be based in Chicago, IL.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Develop product prototypes on the bench, conduct pilot scales to establish data and make a technical case for product feasibility\Understand interaction(s) of the ingredient in food matrices with other functional ingredientsDesign functionality assays to understand impact of interactions of ingredientsWork cross-functionally with product development to translate insights on ingredients and specific components to food prototypes Independently execute tasks including development of new assays, setting up new methods, regular sample handling, and developing analytical methods Maintain high level of awareness of technical trends and developments in the food and CPG industriesWorking well in teams to develop new technology and products you'd never achieve on your ownProvide data-driven insights to solve technical challengesConduct bench-top work, and analyze, summarize present scientific outcomesProvide accurate, clear, and concise reports on R&D activitiesRole Requirements:
Ph.D. or Industry experience in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science or a related biological science field, with 5+ years of research expertise in food science (with an emphasis in ingredient functionality)Experience with formulation, optimization and functional assaysExpertise with a range of analytical techniques in food scienceExperience in food characterization and functionality of ingredientsExperience in prototyping of food products with alternative proteins including process technologyInterest in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and willingness to brainstorm in topics outside your area of researchAbility to work independently, but as part of a wider teamWillingness to mentor both senior and junior research colleaguesExcellent communication, presentation and organizational skillsPersonal Qualifications:
Comfortable working in a startup environment, entrepreneurial mindset, and enthusiasm for innovation Emphasis on personal transparency and accountability Self-motivated with the ability to work independently & with a team Ability to manage workflow for multiple projects and tasks Detail-oriented, organized and capacity to meet deadlines Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, across organizational functionsExhibit a strong sense of professional and personal integrityInherent curiosity and creativity in solving problems to understand how things work Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work enthusiastically within changing prioritiesBenefits:
Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)Generous Parental leave policyOpportunity to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory that will revolutionize multiple industriesEngaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow FyndersCommitment To Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Belonging:
Nature’s Fynd views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and valuesEEO Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law