Flavor Scientist

Overview/Objective

AFB International is a global leader in pet food palatability, developing and producing a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers. We partner with pet food manufacturers to create better-tasting foods, treats, and supplements for dogs and cats. AFB is part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), a privately-owned high-technology conglomerate, with offices and production facilities across the USA (HQ), Europe, Latin America, Mexico, Australia, and China.

Our Science & Technology (S&T) team is a global group dedicated to developing innovative tools, technologies, and scientific insights that support long-term business growth. We think strategically, explore new science, and deliver IP and solutions that shape the future of pet food palatability.

As a Flavour Scientist - Aroma in our Science & Technology team, you will focus on aroma chemistry, volatile analysis, and sensory evaluation to advance the flavour performance of our palatants. You will investigate how aromas are formed, stabilized, and perceived, while designing experiments to link aroma chemistry to palatability outcomes. Collaboration with analytical scientists and data scientists will be key to developing innovative palatants that meet the needs of pets and their owners.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on aroma formation mechanisms (Maillard reaction, lipid oxidation, enzymatic reactions) in palatant systems.

• Apply volatile analysis techniques (GC-MS) to identify and quantify key aroma compounds.

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate how processing impact aroma generation and stability.

• Develop strategies to enhance aroma intensity, in pet food applications.

• Correlate volatile profiles with sensory and palatability outcomes in pets.

• Utilize advanced analytical and sensory tools to characterize aroma performance and drive optimization.

• Collaborate with product and process sciences teams to integrate aroma insights into product innovation.

• Scout and evaluate new aroma ingredients, precursors, and technologies from suppliers, academia, and the broader flavour industry.

• Generate reports, data interpretations, and presentations to communicate findings and guide product development.

• Contribute to building internal expertise and knowledge leadership in aroma chemistry and volatile analysis for pet food palatants.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bsc, MSc or PhD in Flavor Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Sensory Science, or related field.

• Proven expertise in aroma chemistry and volatile analysis, with strong understanding of flavor formation pathways.

• Experience with analytical instrumentation in particular gas chromatography.

• Familiarity with sensory evaluation methods and ability to link aroma chemistry to palatability outcomes.

• Experience designing and conducting research projects and translating findings into product innovation.

• Strong analytical mindset with ability to interpret complex datasets and generate actionable insights.

• Collaborative, innovative, and comfortable working in cross-functional R&D environments.

• Excellent communication skills in both technical and applied contexts.

Technical Skills:

• Volatile Analysis: GC-MS, SPME.

• Aroma Chemistry: Maillard reaction, lipid oxidation, enzymatic pathways.

• Sensory Science: Discrimination and preference tests, aroma profiling.

• Data Analysis: Experimental design, multivariate statistics, data visualization.

• Innovation Scouting: Ability to identify and adapt emerging aroma technologies from human food and flavor industries to the pet food context.