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Application Scientist III

St Louis, MO, US   Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
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Job ID 7360 Date posted 09/29/2026 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 III

St Louis, MO, US   Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
Job ID 7360 Date posted September 27, 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 and turn food science expertise into great-tasting solutions for our customers. You will work hands-on in the laboratory to develop and evaluate food applications. You will collaborate with flavor and color scientists to solve customer challenges and bring new ideas to life. You will also provide technical taste support and take part in customer workshops and sensory evaluations.

This is an onsite role in Sensient’s Food Colors laboratory in St. Louis, Missouri. You will work in the office five days per week. The role also includes quarterly travel to our Hoffman Estates, Illinois location and occasional travel to customer sites.

What you’ll do

  • Collaborate with color laboratory scientists on flavor application and product development projects across sweet, beverage, and savory categories.
  • Provide technical expertise in masking unwanted flavor notes in finished food products and recommend appropriate flavor technologies for application projects.
  • Provide technical taste support to customers and participate in customer workshops at Sensient’s food color laboratories.
  • Conduct sensory evaluations and operate and interpret results from laboratory equipment, including densitometers, refractometers, and pH meters.
  • Prepare and document samples according to company procedures, complete projects efficiently, perform basic mathematical calculations and unit conversions, and support the technical team with additional activities as needed.

What you’ll bring

  • A bachelor’s degree in food science, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
  • At least five years of experience in a food applications laboratory, including hands-on flavor experience and knowledge across beverage, savory, and sweet food applications.

  • Working knowledge of food applications and a basic understanding of food processing.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and cross-functional teams.
  • Strong attention to detail and effective project and time management skills, with the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift up to twenty-five pounds.

What you’ll get

  • The opportunity to apply your technical expertise to real customer and product development challenges.
  • A collaborative environment where you will work closely with flavor and color scientists and other technical professionals.
  • Hands-on experience across a broad range of food and beverage applications.
  • Opportunities to interact directly with customers through technical support, workshops, and occasional customer visits.
  • A role that combines laboratory science, sensory evaluation, product development, and customer collaboration.
  • Initial onboarding and training at Sensient’s Hoffman Estates location and St. Louis laboratory, followed by quarterly travel to Hoffman Estates.
  • Occasional travel to customer locations alongside sales and technical team members.

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 Flavors:
Sensient Flavors offers innovative, global taste solutions and specialized flavor delivery systems that help bring life to your food and beverage products. Our leading-edge technologies reflect our core philosophies to be dynamic and innovative and to add value to your applications.

SPONSORSHP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in (country) without the need for employment visa sponsorship.  

RELOCATION: We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work at (location) 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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