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Application Scientist I

St Louis, MO, US  
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Job ID 7425 Date posted 11/10/2026 Category Research and Development

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a global leader in colors, flavors, and extracts. Our R&D teams drive innovation by developing advanced systems, ingredients, and technologies that transform food, personal care, and pharmaceutical products. Join us to be part of a dynamic group shaping the future across a variety of teams, including:

Analytics Team: Lead flavor research and analysis using instrumentation like HPLC, GC, and GC-MS. Improve and develop lab workflows and methodologies. Mentor staff to ensure both technical excellence and financial success through collaborative efforts.

Flavor Creation Team: Develop innovative flavors across diverse market segments, including Beverage, Savory, and Sweet. Work closely with customers and our Applications Teams to deliver impactful, tailored solutions which drive growth and exceed market expectations.

Sensory Team: Design and execute sensory and consumer research to provide in-depth understanding of products and consumers for product development, optimization and maintenance. Conduct panels and apply statistical analysis to deliver actionable insights. Lead training of cross-functional teams and customers in flavor language.

Innovation Team: Utilize scientific expertise to develop cutting-edge ingredients, formulations, and technologies. Contribute to groundbreaking product advancements. Collaborate with a global network of Sensient scientists to shape our industry's future.

Applications Team: Partner with customers in labs and at their facilities to bring their product visions to life. Solve challenges, provide creative solutions to deliver innovative products which align with customer goals across various industries.

  • Job Type: Full Time
  • Job Level: Entry, Mid, Senior
  • Travel : Depends on Role

success profile

We are looking for team members who are:

  • Results-focused
  • Collaborative
  • Skilled communicators
  • Analytically rigorous
  • Detail-oriented
  • Intensely curious

Your journey

career path

This is a sample of the R&D Career paths at Sensient.

  • Lab Technician
  • Application Scientist (multiple levels)
  • Technical Service Manager (multiple levels)
  • Technical Director
  • Senior Technical Director or
  • Innovation Intern
  • Innovation Associate (multiple levels)
  • Innovation Scientist (multiple levels)
  • Innovations Manager

cultural points

The Sensient Six are the core values that drive us in our mission.

  • Entrepreneurial
  • Customer focused
  • Develop self and others
  • Collaborative
  • Results driven
  • Know your job
My job gives me the unique opportunity to develop products that I feel passionate about. Being part of an international team, with access to so much know-how and the most innovative technologies, encourages me every day to do my best and to drive innovation.
Lisa Innovation Manager, Germany

Application Scientist I

St Louis, MO, US  
Job ID 7425 Date posted November 9, 2026 Job Category Research and Development

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.


We are looking for an Application Scientist to join our team to work directly with customers to understand their needs, develop customized food color solutions, and demonstrate the value of natural and synthetic colorants. You will partner with commercial, technical, and innovation teams to support customer projects, advance natural color applications, and strengthen relationships with customers across the food industry. This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist who combines strong technical knowledge with creativity, communication, and a passion for customer collaboration.

What You’ll Do

  • Partner directly with customers to identify project opportunities, understand application requirements, establish success criteria, and present tailored color solutions that support their product development goals.
  • Develop, evaluate, and match natural and synthetic food colorants, including converting synthetic color applications to natural alternatives while considering product appearance, stability, shelf life, and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct stability studies and application testing to evaluate color performance under different processing, storage, packaging, and environmental conditions. Interpret findings and provide clear technical reports and recommendations.
  • Develop and improve color formulations by addressing challenges related to light exposure, heat, physical and chemical stability, and interactions with food ingredients.
  • Evaluate new natural colorants and raw material sources, develop testing plans, and recommend potential applications in collaboration with internal innovation and technical teams.
  • Provide technical guidance, training, and presentations to customers, sales, marketing, and internal teams while supporting customer visits, industry events, and cross-functional projects.
  • Stay current on food color regulations and scientific developments, maintain technical resources, and support quality initiatives and analytical testing procedures.

What You’ll Bring

  • A bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related scientific field. A master’s degree is strongly preferred.
  • 0–4 years of relevant experience in technical service, food science, or food ingredient development.
  • Knowledge of food color chemistry, formulation development, and the performance and stability of natural and synthetic colorants.
  • Strong customer communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into practical recommendations.
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet fast-paced project deadlines.
  • A keen eye for color matching and the ability to interpret analytical results and identify opportunities for improved product performance.

What You’ll Get

  • Opportunity to collaborate with your colleagues onsite and in the field 5 days per week.
  • Competitive salary and development opportunities.
  • A thorough and effective training experience during onboarding and beyond.

This position involves regular direct customer interaction through phone calls, virtual meetings, and in-person visits. Travel to customer locations, industry events, and company facilities will be required as business needs arise. On-site laboratory and application work will also be necessary to support product testing, formulation development, and technical collaboration.

About Sensient: 
Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.  

About Sensient Colors:  
Sensient Colors is a leading developer, producer, and supplier of natural and synthetic color systems for customers around the globe. The Company's high-performance products play a vital role in the manufacture of foods and beverages, cosmetic and pharmaceutical colors and coatings, and colors for agricultural uses, household cleaners and paper products.  

SPONSORSHP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the US without the need for employment visa sponsorship.  
RELOCATION: We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work in St. Louis and must reside in area or be willing to commute.  
THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.  

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.  

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