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Salary: USD 90,000 - 110,000 / annual
Epogee, a food science and lipid chemistry company (subsidiary of Medici Brands), is seeking an Associate Scientist to lead benchtop implementation of manufacturing innovation. The company develops novel structured lipids, including EPG® (esterified propoxylated glycerol), a patented fat alternative with 92% fewer calories than traditional fats, for use in diverse food applications including frying, baking, confectionery, and snacks.
You will report to the Director of R&D and take ideas from early-stage ideation through validation via stage-gate processes, ultimately translating findings into process improvements and innovations at scale. This is a hands-on laboratory role ideal for someone who thrives in a bench environment. You'll work closely with senior R&D team members on projects such as process improvements and optimizations, raw material and SKU validation, value engineering, and novel process development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Following safe handling procedures for reactive and hazardous reagents and maintaining lab safety compliance
- Designing and executing benchtop experiments to validate new process ideas from early feasibility through scale-up readiness
- Running and modifying established synthesis protocols (esterification, propoxylation) to support new process routes, raw materials, or applications
- Performing analytical characterization using DSC, GC, HPLC/GPC, titration-based methods, and related techniques to evaluate process outputs against specifications
- Designing, building, or modifying lab-scale equipment and fixtures for applications without off-the-shelf solutions
- Evaluating raw material and SKU substitutions and value-engineering opportunities, documenting findings for stage-gate decisions
- Translating benchtop results into clear, actionable recommendations for scaling process improvements to pilot or commercial production
- Maintaining rigorous experimental records and data suitable for internal review and technology transfer
- Partnering with senior R&D staff and cross-functional teams to move validated concepts toward implementation
The role is full-time, in-office in New York City, with five days per week onsite. Travel will be required to assess manufacturing operations.
Requirements:
- BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related technical field
- 1–3 years of hands-on laboratory, process development, or manufacturing R&D experience
- Experience designing and executing benchtop experiments and troubleshooting process challenges
- Familiarity with chemical synthesis and analytical techniques such as DSC, GC, HPLC/GPC, and titration
- Strong problem-solving, experimental documentation, and ability to translate lab results into process improvement and scale-up recommendations
