Job Title: Senior Applications Scientist Colors CD&D - Erlanger, KY
Company Name:
Archer Daniels Midland
Location:
Erlanger, KY United States
Position Type:
Full Time
Post Date:
03/09/2026
Expire Date:
04/15/2026
Job Categories:
Agriculture, Forestry, & Fishing, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical, Science
Job Description
Senior Applications Scientist Colors CD&D - Erlanger, KY Senior Applications Scientist Colors CD&D - Erlanger, KY
Position Overview: The Senior Scientist, Color Applications will serve as a technical expert in applying naturally derived colors across diverse food and beverage systems. Working within a leading color ingredient supplier, this role focuses on evaluating color performance, stability, and sensory impact in real-world applications and supporting customers as they transition from synthetic (FD&C) colors to alternatives from natural sources. The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge of food science and color behavior with strong customer-facing skills to deliver practical, innovative solutions that meet both regulatory and consumer expectations.
Key Responsibilities:
Application Development & Testing
Design and execute experiments to evaluate the performance of naturally-derived colors in various food and beverage matrices (i.e. beverages, cereals, confections, dairy, baked goods, savory products, etc), including visual performance, taste, potential interactions with other ingredients, etc.
Assess color stability under different processing, pH, light and storage conditions.
Generate data and technical insights to guide formulation recommendations for customers.
In partnership with Color Scientists, may develop color formulations to meet performance requirements in target applications.
Customer Collaboration & Support
Partner with customer to facilitate Concept-through-Commercialization project management, as customers shift away from FD&C Colors
Work directly with CD&D and customers’ product development teams to identify suitable color solutions for their applications.
Provide technical guidance during reformulation projects converting FD&C colors to natural sources.
Conduct on-site trials, demonstrations and troubleshooting as needed.
Technical Communication
Translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for both internal teams and external customers.
Prepare application reports, presentations and technical documentation to support sales and marketing efforts.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Collaborate with internal CD&D, Regulatory, Marketing and Commercial teams to ensure proposed color solutions meet performance, compliance and customer expectations.
Contribute to the development of technical training materials and best-practice guides for color use.
Innovation & Market Insight
Stay current on emerging trends in color technology, clean-label reformulation and consumer preferences.
Identify opportunities to expand application knowledge and improve the performance of existing color products.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field.
Minimum 7+ years of experience in food and beverage product development or applications science, preferably within an ingredient or color supplier environment.
Strong understanding of color chemistry, food formulation and processing interactions affecting color performance.
Demonstrated ability to design and interpret application trials and communicate results effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience supporting customers through reformulation or conversion projects from synthetic to natural ingredients.
Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and project management skills.
Preferred Attributes
Familiarity with global regulatory frameworks for colors and additives.
Experience with analytical and color measurement tools (spectrophotometry, colorimetry, etc).
Practical knowledge of ingredient interactions (proteins, emulsifiers, acids, etc.) affecting color stability.
Strong customer orientation and ability to thrive in a collaborative, solution-driven environment.
Working Conditions
Laboratory and pilot-scale testing environment with periodic travel (up to 20%) to customer sites and trade shows.
Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
Company Description:
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.
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