careers as bold & bright as you
Application Scientist III
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.
Application Scientist III
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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innovation has never looked so good
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our stories We work together in person to put the needs of our customers first and get results. Be different. Be Sensient. -
who we are We’re on a mission across the globe to unlock the potential of our customers’ food, pharmaceutical, and personal care products. -
faq You have questions? here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions people have about a career with Sensient. -
the Americas We offer multiple locations across the United States, Latin America, and Canada. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles. -
APAC region We offer multiple locations across the Asia-Pacific region. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles. -
EMEA region We offer multiple locations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Choose the one you’re most interested in to learn more about it and see available roles. -
global locations At Sensient, we believe in the power of collaborating face-to-face, in person. With locations around the world, we offer plenty of opportunities to build the career that best suits you. Learn more about our global locations. -
what we do We develop and manufacture flavors, colors, and extracts that bring our customers’ products to life. Our products positively impact the daily experience of millions. -
sustainability Sustainability is central to our mission at Sensient. Everyone here is dedicated to working together to bring sustainable innovations to the world. This includes vegan flavors, low-carbon products, natural and organic ingredients, and so much more. -
key hiring areas at Sensient Technologies Many paths to success. With a variety of categories and locations, it’s important to find the role that fits you best. -
learning & development We offer a variety of unmatched opportunities for training designed to help you develop your skills. Each program is tailored to specific areas of focus and intended to bring out your best while setting you up for a long, exciting, and fruitful career at Sensient. Take control of your future and learn more about our development programs. -
tips for your application Interested in applying to join us, but not sure how to begin? We’ve compiled a list of tips and advice from some current employees to help you get started. -
careers in research & development Where innovation is born and applied. If you’re an analytic thinker, scientific researcher, and driven winner, our Research and Development (R&D) department is where you can take control of your career. -
coaching at Sensient Having a strong coaching culture is a top priority for Sensient. We are committed to helping our employees grow and develop in their roles to meet their future career goals. -
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sales careers Are you ambitious with a competitive spirit? Do you want to be rewarded for your hard work and results? Does your professional success matter to you? If so, join Sensient’s elite sales team. -
working at juneau Discover what makes working at the Juneau, WI facility unique! With a rich history, and a close-knit team of under 100 employees, this location offers a collaborative work environment where personal connections thrive. -
working in st. louis Discover what it's like working at our Colors Headquarters! With a dynamic work environment, you’ll have opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute with a focus on innovation and career development. -
Why Sensient? -
your future starts at Sensient Unleash the power of bold flavors and bright colors and experience the thrill of developing products that are essential to hundreds of millions of users. Learn more about who we are and how our teams work together to create innovative solutions. -
careers in research & development Explore careers in Research & Development at Sensient. Work on science‑driven innovation, global impact, and sustainable solutions across industries. -
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career changers: build a sales career at Sensient For driven professionals ready to turn expertise into sales success at Sensient. -
career growth at Sensient Unlock your potential with Sensient's growth programs. Bring your grit, and we'll teach you the rest. Explore opportunities in research, sales, manufacturing, and more. -
early days at Sensient Success starts here. Explore Sensient’s world-class onboarding experience built to help you feel welcomed, prepared, and supported from your first day onward. -
our business goal at Sensient Discover how Sensient’s technology, scale, and people power innovation across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications—shaping products used every day around the world. -
discover Sensient's culture: innovation, collaboration, and growth Explore the culture at Sensient, where innovation, collaboration, and customer focus drive success. Learn how employees grow their careers, take ownership, and thrive through continuous learning. -
sales training programs: fast-track your career with Sensient Learn about Sensient's Sales Rep Trainee Program and Inside Sales Representative roles. Gain hands-on training, mentorship, career growth opportunities, and the skills to build a successful sales career. -
working at amboy Discover what makes our Amboy, Illinois facility a great place to build a career. We create sweet flavor solutions for chocolates, baked goods, beverages, and more. Join a growing team creating products enjoyed around the world. -

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