R&D Product Development Scientist

Who We Are 

At JonnyPops, our team is empowered to make an impact at work every day from producing high-quality, innovative frozen novelties to spreading kindness one pop at a time. We look for bright and ambitious individuals who seek out challenges, thrive in fast-paced and high-growth environments, align with our core values, and get fulfilment from seeing their work transform the world around them.   

Based in Elk River, MN, JonnyPops develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets frozen novelties. Retailers from coast to coast including Target, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Cub, along with thousands of regional and local grocers make JonnyPops part of their assortment.   

Growing from a dorm room start-up in 2012, JonnyPops mission is to make "A Better Pop for a Better World!" JonnyPops leads the frozen novelties space in innovation and uses simple ingredients with no artificial dyes. Every pop stick includes a kind deed, spreading kindness every day.  

Joining JonnyPops is an exciting opportunity to be part of high-growth brand and have a direct impact on the company’s success. Join our team and help us make “A Better Pop, for a Better World!” 

Job Summary 

The R&D Product Development Scientist has the primary duty of executing all Research & Development activities and ensuring that finished goods meet stated product quality specifications. Testing duties include microbiological, physical, chemical and sensory. This role also works closely with the Quality and Supply Chain teams and assists in ensure all R&D activities are represented in Food Safety Programs that are defined, executed and meet regulatory guidelines. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Develop and refine product formulations to meet product standards and operational targets.  

• Lead benchtop development and prototype iterations.  

• Identify and execute cost-saving opportunities without compromising product quality, flavor, or functionality.  

• Apply strong knowledge of sensory science and flavor development to guide product design.  

• Conduct and interpret sensory trials.  

• Provide detailed tasting notes to guide product improvement and ensure alignment with brand standards and consumer expectations.  

• Create, maintain, and track detailed product briefs, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned throughout the development process.  

• Act as the product expert and R&D representative within project teams.  

• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Regulatory functions Manage technical relationships with ingredient and packaging suppliers.  

• Facilitate collaboration between external R&D teams and internal stakeholders.  

• Stay current with trends, technologies, and scientific advancements in food science, flavor chemistry, and formulation techniques.  

• Share knowledge with peers and stakeholders.  

• Monitor and report on production adherence to R&D developed process and specifications.  

• Support QA with technical knowledge related to ingredients and finished products.  

• Maintain R&D Lab cleanliness and inventory. 

Food Safety Responsibilities 

• Responsible for ensuring that R&D activities are done in accordance with GMPs, and that food safety and quality in production is not compromised. 

• Collaborate with QA team to review and approve suppliers. 

• Collaborate with QA team to approve compliant nutritional labelling and packaging. 

• Assist Quality and Production teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Chemical   Engineering, Microbiology or related field 

• Entry level to 3-5 years of experience with product development or R&D in the food industry  

• Experience with nutritional labelling (TraceGains NutriCalc) preferred  

• Proven experience with formulation development and commercialization. 

• Strong understanding of sensory science, flavor systems, and food ingredients. 

• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint. 

• Able to perform basic mathematical calculations and analyses. 

• Ability to interpret lab results. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

Physical Demands 

Physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear, and reach with hands or arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 lbs. Works comfortably in a variable temperature environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in regular office conditions, a laboratory environment, production, inside a cooler or in a warehouse.  This employee will be expected to work out of our Plymouth R&D center and also our Elk River production facility. 

Additional Requirements 

• Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.    

• Alignment to our mission to spread kindness – JonnyPops is a kindness-based company 

• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm. 
• This role will be mainly located in Plymouth, but will need to travel to the plant in Elk River when needed.

JonnyPops offers a competitive benefits package which includes the following:

• Medical/Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• HSA
• FSA
• DCFSA
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• FTO/PTO
• EAP Programs
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• Sick & Safe Leave
• 401k
• Company Sponsored Meal Plan

* Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses and/or commissions.

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