Job Description
The Role
The Protein Senior Scientist is responsible for driving innovation and technical excellence in the use of protein ingredients (plant-based, dairy, or alternative proteins) in beverage and food applications. This role drives formulation excellence and collaborates cross-functionally with R&D, marketing, sales, and customers to develop consumer-relevant, protein-enhanced products that deliver on taste, nutrition, and functionality. The position also includes leadership responsibilities, managing one direct report to support project execution and technical development.
Your Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize protein-based formulations for beverages and food applications (e.g., protein bars, dairy alternatives, confectionery, savory etc.).
- Conduct bench-top prototypes development, pilot plant trials, and support scale-up for commercialization.
- Evaluate the functional, sensory, and nutritional performance of proteins in target applications.
- Collaborate with customers to provide technical support, troubleshoot formulation challenges, and co-create solutions.
- Stay current with scientific and market trends in protein innovation, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies.
- Work with suppliers and procurement to evaluate new protein sources or grades.
- Create and maintain application data, technical documentation, and formulation databases.
- Partner with marketing and commercial teams to provide technical insights and training.
- Supervise and mentor team member, guiding technical development and ensuring alignment with project goals.
Your Profile
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Nutrition, or related field.
- Minimum 5 - 7 years of experience in protein application development, preferably in beverage and/or food categories.
- Strong understanding of protein chemistry, functionality, interactions, and processing.
- Hands-on experience in formulating with plant and/or dairy proteins in complex food systems.
- Familiarity with food regulations, labelling, and nutritional targets.
- Experience with high-protein RTD beverages, yogurts, nutrition bars, or dairy alternatives.
- Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, comfortable working across functions and cultures.
- Analytical mindset with curiosity for innovation and consumer trends.
- Positive, adaptable mindset with the ability to navigate challenges and find solutions.
City
Tokyo
State
Tokyo
Location Country
Japan
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.