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Senior Application Scientist

Heverlee, Leuven, BE  
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Job ID 5545 Date posted 05/05/2025 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
  • Glassdoor Reviews and Company Rating

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

Senior Application Scientist

Heverlee, Leuven, BE  
Job ID 5545 Date posted May 4, 2025 Job Category Research and Development

Job Summary:

The Principal Applications Scientist is a strong technical player for the full EU Sauces and Inclusions business and supports the technical interaction with local plant stakeholders, with the Sales Account Managers, with customers and with suppliers. The backbone of this role is in food science, particularly in the areas of hydrocolloid and physical chemistry. You would also have a broad understanding and knowledge of processing, complex rheology and food microbiology. 

What you’ll do:                                                            

  • Work on new product ideas and customer requirements, translating research into usable products
  • Operate & define pilot-scale process equipment to make first production scale-ups, process optimization and small-scale production in the industrial environment
  • Statistical treatment and validation of data obtained with the analytical instruments, and using this data develop to guidelines and process parameters for process and product design
  • Prioritise projects based on customer needs and timing and independently scope projects and develop solutions, including diagnosing and troubleshooting issues to communicate the results to customers
  • Maintain a safe, clean and organized laboratory environment, in accordance with our health and safety policies
  • May lead cross functional teams to ensure alignment of objectives and development of suitable methodologies

What you’ll bring:

  • Minimum BSc degree or equivalent in a General Science or Food Science major. Master's degree preferred.
  • Experience of chocolate, bakery, confectionary and dairy manufacturing would be an asset
  • Demonstrable experience and understanding of food science fundamentals as well as GMP and HACCP principles
  • Strong communicative and presentation skills with an innovative and analytical mindset
  • Fluency in English; German, French or Dutch would be an advantage
  • Willingness to travel to 20%, this may include short notice international travel

What you’ll get: 

  • Opportunity to collaborate with your colleagues, onsite 5 days per week.
  • An excellent salary, benefit offering and development opportunities.
  • A thorough and effective training experience during onboarding and beyond.

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. 

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