Food & Beverage, Applications Scientist

Certified Group partners with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise - So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes. As a leading provider of laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services, Certified Group includes Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), FSNS Certification & Audit, Certified Laboratories, EAS Consulting Group, and Labstat International Inc. Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

We are currently looking for a FOOD & BEVERAGE APPLICATIONS SCIENTIST to join our growing team in San Antonio!

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for providing scientific expertise to routine laboratory service clientele, contract research customers, and FSNS personnel. Has regular communication and interaction with each of these parties. Assists with evaluation of new or improved methods for analyzing food products and environmental samples for continual expansion and enhancement of laboratory service offerings. Carries out all aspects of contract research services including proposal generation, budgeting, coordinating, executing, reporting results, and billing of contract research projects. Provides on-site client assistance for troubleshooting purposes or contract research projects as needed.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a key scientific resource for food safety-related inquiries and concerns from laboratory clients, including both routine and contract research service customers.
• Provide on-site and remote support to clients for troubleshooting food safety issues and interpreting test results, with a focus on enhancing product quality and compliance.
• Collaborate directly with clients to understand testing needs, propose research solutions, and guide them through the contract research process including budgeting, execution, reporting, and billing.
• Maintain strong technical competence through continuous learning in food safety science, industry trends, and regulatory updates (FDA, USDA, FSMA, etc.).
• Translate scientific information into actionable recommendations and clearly communicate complex data to customers in a way that builds trust and supports decision-making.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations to clients, industry groups, and internal teams with an emphasis on food safety trends, contamination risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Assist in evaluating and validating new or improved testing methodologies related to food safety and environmental monitoring.
• Contribute to marketing and sales efforts by developing technical collateral, participating in customer visits, and supporting business development initiatives.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff and assist with team coordination, as needed.
• Participate in industry events, scientific conferences, and trade shows to network with clients and stay current on developments in food science and safety.
• Support internal departments during high demand periods or special projects, maintaining a collaborative, flexible approach.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred; M.S. minimum requirement.
• Proven experience working in food safety testing, regulatory compliance, or quality assurance roles.
• Strong working knowledge of industry-standard testing protocols (USDA MLG, FDA BAM, AOAC, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in customer-facing roles, including presenting technical information and solving client-specific issues.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Hands-on knowledge of aseptic technique, lab instrumentation, and analytical methodologies used in food testing laboratories.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and mouse and to handle other communications/computer components.
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens.
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud.
• Temperature varies from hot to cold.
• Interactive and fast-paced team oriented tasks.
• Overnight travel may be required at the discretion of management.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

BENEFITS:

• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dental
• Paid Holidays and Time Off

Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.