Protein Chemist, Food Science

The role

This person will design and execute studies to understand protein structure, extraction, functionality, stability, and performance. They will translate findings into better ingredients, products, and processes.

What you will do

• Develop and optimize novel extraction and processing approaches.
• Develop and apply analytical methods to understand protein structure-function relationships.
• Apply protein chemistry, food science, and computational approaches to troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Evaluate protein performance through processing, formulation, storage, and shelf life.
• Independently interpret complex or ambiguous results and develop hypotheses.
• Partner with Product Development, Process/Manufacturing, Quality, and other technical teams.
• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Food Science, Protein Chemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience; or a Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant industry experi
• Strong hands-on experience with protein extraction, purification, characterization, functionality, and/or process optimization.
• Strong understanding of protein structure-function relationships and how processing conditions influence protein behavior and performance.
• Direct experience with multiple protein characterization techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fluorescence spectroscopy, rheology, SDS-PAGE, or related analytical methods.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing multi-variable experiments using DOE, factorial designs, or other systematic optimization approaches.
• Working knowledge of sequence- and structure-based bioinformatics tools such as BLAST, structure alignment tools, or ProtParam-type sequence analysis.
• Strong analytical judgment and ability to synthesize complex experimental data into clear conclusions and recommendations.
• Excellent experimental discipline, documentation, and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both highly technical and non-technical audiences.
• High degree of independence and self-direction.

Nice to have

• Experience working specifically with plant, alternative, or novel proteins.
• Experience translating laboratory findings into food applications or scalable manufacturing processes.
• Experience working across both fundamental protein science and applied food/product development.
• Experience with food starch chemistry and/or purification.
• Hands-on experience with cell cultivation, fermentation, or fermentation-derived proteins.

Benefits

• Equity
• Up to 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage (up to 90% for dependents)
• Flexible time off
• 9 Holidays + company closure between Christmas & New Years

Before you apply

• Prioritizing local candidates.
• Unable to sponsor or transfer employment visas.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
• New hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9.
• Participates in E-Verify.

About the company

Just Food Company is on a mission to build a healthier, safer, and more sustainable food system. They are a team of scientists, chefs, engineers, and operators who have brought innovations like Just Egg and GOOD Meat to market.