Research and Development Scientist II

About This Role

This Research and Development Scientist II role supports all product platforms within R&D, focusing on daily lab duties and ensuring food safety and quality. The position involves operating equipment, handling raw materials, preparing new materials for testing, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. The role also assists with shipping and receiving finished goods for tasting and shelf-life testing.

Responsibilities

• Support the operation of all lab equipment, participate in sales/shipment projects, shelf-life studies, special projects, and support industrial trials and Elevated Quality Management
• Record observations, collect and prepare data for further analysis, and prepare basic lab reports under guidance from the R&D Manager
• Attend the scheduled planning and execution of the design of experiments with the direction of scientists and team members
• Support preventative maintenance, calibrations, preparations, operating, and CIPs on all current pilot laboratories and pilot plant processing and testing equipment
• Follow plant procedures for required maintenance on all pilot processing equipment and machinery for safety, quality, or environmental concerns
• Participate in physical, chemical, and sensory evaluations of food ingredients and finished products for Safe Quality Food
• Complete procedures to create, maintain, and provide accurate records
• Procure ingredients and supplies internally and through external vendors either by project or by lead Scientist
• Provide and maintain proper storage area for all items
• Cycle count items to provide correct minimum/maximum counts and correct, ongoing inventory until the end of the project
• Coordinate with internal departments in managing shipments of ingredients to vendors within the US and overseas
• Coordinate finished goods sales sample dispatch with the regional sales manager
• Be an active participant in discussions, workshops, and informational meetings with internal supporting departments
• Attend and participate in mandatory yearly Allergen, HACCP, GMP, and Safety trainings and all other required meetings/training
• Complete additional assigned work, including special projects
• Follow Chobani’s safety procedures, standard operating procedures, and Good Manufacturing Practices

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food/dairy science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related life science field
• 2 – 5 years of experience in food/dairy manufacturing or laboratory science; or a degree in a life science field (dairy beverage/application is preferred)
• Ability to operate pilot plant production equipment and laboratory testing equipment required in the manufacturing of food and beverages
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial working culture
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work by determining the sequencing and timing of different jobs based on precedence and importance
• Ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures and instructions
• Knowledge of Sanitation, CIP, and COP procedures preferred, and ability to work with chemicals
• Basic computer skills including a working knowledge of MS Word and Excel, PowerPoint a plus
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly define ideas, problems, and solutions
• Self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to work independently and in group settings
• Basic math and problem-solving skills required
• Working knowledge of PPE’s, GLP (Good Laboratory Practices), and cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices)

Benefits

• Bonus
• Equity
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, disability insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement
• 401k match of 100% on up to 5% of eligible pay
• Fertility and childcare assistance
• 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay after six months of continuous employment
• Wellness resources including an employee assistance program, fitness discounts, a wellness reimbursement, on-site gym access (certain locations), and a monthly wellness newsletter
• 120 hours of paid time off
• 11 holidays
• Paid volunteer time off

About the Company

Chobani is a food maker founded in 2005 with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating communities and making the world a healthier place. Chobani manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers, and its yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, the company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes, and in 2025, it acquired Daily Harvest. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan, and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.