R & D Scientist

Berjé Inc. is a family-owned business that has been in operation for over seven decades across three generations. The company was originally founded with a creative approach to creating value from byproducts and aromatic raw materials set the stage for Berjé to become a leading supplier within the flavor and fragrance industry. We are committed to being a trusted partner, reliable innovator, and informed resource, to our clients, customers, and employees.  We provide quality ingredients with an emphasis on sustainability, ethics as well as safety and compliance. Our investment in training and development is our commitment, by allowing our team to build their future along with ours, creating an impactful career unique to you. We promise to deliver superior service and products that live up to our values of integrity, accountability, leadership, legacy, diversity, and passion every single day and are looking for team members to assist us in our promises of leadership withing our community as well as globally.

The R&D Scientist reports to the Sr. Director of QA and works closely with Quality Control and other cross-functional teams. This position is responsible for conducting analytical testing, supporting research and development initiatives, developing analytical methods, and providing technical expertise related to flavor and fragrance ingredients, essential oils, and aromatic chemicals. The role requires strong scientific, technical writing, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills to support innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Perform analytical testing of flavor and fragrance ingredients, including essential oils, aromatic chemicals, raw materials, fragrance compounds, and pre-shipment samples. 
•    Analyze and interpret GC/GC-MS, and FT-IR data, physicochemical and organoleptic properties of essential oil and aroma chemicals. 
•    Evaluate essential oil composition and identify impurities, chemical markers, and adulteration screening. 
•    Provide technical support to Quality Control, Perfumers, and other departments regarding ingredient composition, extraction methods, and material identification. 
•    Support troubleshooting of production compounds and formulation-related issues. 
•    Perform maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and performance verification of laboratory instruments including GC and GC-MS systems. 
•    Conduct instrument maintenance activities such as source cleaning, column replacement, and library updates. 
•    Develop and optimize analytical methods for the identification and characterization of essential oils and aromatic chemicals. 
•    Support extraction, duplication, and evaluation of flavor and fragrance compounds. 
•    Conduct independent research projects and technical investigations. 
•    Maintain laboratory equipment, work areas, and records in a clean, organized, and compliant manner. 
•    Follow all applicable cGMP, cGLP, SQF, safety, and company requirements. 
•    Support the company in achieving established quality, innovation, and operational goals. 
•    Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned.
 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific field required. 
•    Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the flavor, fragrance, chemical, or related industry required. 
•    Minimum of (3) year of experience with fractional and continuous distillation
•    Experience operating and troubleshooting GC, GC-MS, FT-IR, and related analytical instrumentation preferred. 
•    Experience with analytical method development and data interpretation preferred. 
•    Experience in a regulated manufacturing or laboratory environment preferred.

SKILLS and/or PHSYICAL REQUIREMENTS:

•    Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and laboratory techniques. 
•    Proficiency with GC, GC-MS, FT-IR, and associated software platforms. 
•    Strong technical writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 
•    High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. 
•    Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
•    Strong organizational and time-management skills. 
•    Effective communication and interpersonal skills. 
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and laboratory software systems. 
•    Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. 
•    Ability to sit, stand, and work in a laboratory environment for extended periods.

Benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life, 401k w Match, Free access to Financial Planner, EAP
Compensation -$100,000 to $110,000 annually depending on experience. Eligibility to participate in discretionary bonus programs