Sr. R&D Food Scientist IV - Technology

Who We AreAt 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 SummaryWe are seeking a highly technical and hands-on Sr. R&D Scientist – Food Science & Technology to join our team supporting the development and optimization of our products. This role will focus on shelf life and stability studies, ingredient functionality and substitutions, chemical and physical product analysis, and product performance troubleshooting. The ideal candidate is a critical thinker with a passion for applied food science and problem-solving in a manufacturing environment.This position works closely with Product Development, Quality, Packaging, and Manufacturing teams to ensure product performance, ingredient integrity, and process feasibility from bench to plant scale.Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and execute shelf life and stability studies for products under various storage and distribution conditions; analyze product degradation, texture, flavor, and appearance over time, and recommend formulation or process changes as needed.
• Evaluate ingredient functionality and lead formulation adjustments or substitutions to support quality improvements, cost optimization, supply continuity, and clean label initiatives.
• Conduct or coordinate chemical, physical, and compositional analyses (overrun, melting resistance, pH, fat content, total solids), and interpret results to support product troubleshooting, specification development, and process enhancements.
• Maintain accurate and organized laboratory records, test data, and technical documentation in compliance with internal protocols and quality systems.
• Provide on-site technical support at manufacturing facilities to troubleshoot product and process issues, including freezing behavior, texture defects, ingredient variability, and packaging-material interactions.
• Translate lab-scale findings into practical, scalable solutions and support implementation through pilot runs and production trials.
• Assist in evaluating packaging materials for compatibility with frozen products, including barrier performance, seal integrity, and impact on shelf life; collaborate with operations on material trials, root cause investigations, and performance testing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Development, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Regulatory teams to ensure product feasibility, compliance, functionality, and supply readiness.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives to improve product quality, process efficiency, ingredient sourcing flexibility, and overall R&D capability.
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement efforts within the R&D team through documentation, peer reviews, and project learnings.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments, applying scientific problem-solving to enhance product quality and profitability
• Conduct post-trial analyses and apply scientific principles to improve formulations and processes
• Perform risk assessments, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement solutions to improve quality, efficiency, and/or product performance
• Manage multiple projects at once with minimal supervisor guidance using clear communication, prioritization, and multitasking skills
• Monitor domestic and global trends related to flavors and ingredients for frozen treats

Food Safety Responsibilities

• Integrate food safety principles into every stage of product development — from concept to commercialization.
• Work closely with QA, Regulatory, and Operations teams to ensure food safety compliance.
• Ensure all R&D data and experimental results are properly recorded and traceable.
• Identify and implement innovative food safety technologies
• Adhere to GMPs as is required of all JP personnel

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Dairy Science, Food Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on R&D or technical experience in food or beverage manufacturing, Experience in dairy and/or frozen strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, frozen food dynamics, and product-structure interactions.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and chemical testing methods in a food lab setting.
• Ability to design experiments, analyze data, and troubleshoot real-world manufacturing issues.
• Familiarity with packaging materials, cold chain dynamics, and shelf-life assessment.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Physical DemandsPhysical 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

• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.   

Expected Pay Range: 120,000-140,000

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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