Protein Chemist - Food Science

About the Role

We are looking for a Food /Process Chemist to help advance the science behind our food and protein platforms.

This is a highly hands-on role for someone who combines deep technical expertise in food chemistry and process science with strong experimental judgment and practical problem-solving skills. You will design and execute studies to better understand protein structure, extraction, functionality, stability, and performance — and translate those findings into better ingredients, products, and processes.

We are looking for someone who doesn't simply execute experiments. You should be comfortable working through ambiguous technical challenges, developing hypotheses, determining what to test next, and turning complex data into clear recommendations that move the work forward.

What You'll Do

• Develop and optimize novel extraction and processing approaches, balancing protein functionality, extraction yield, food-grade requirements, scalability, and downstream processing constraints.
• Develop and apply analytical methods to understand protein structure-function relationships and identify drivers of functional performance.
• Apply protein chemistry, food science, and computational approaches to troubleshoot technical challenges and improve protein functionality and stability.
• Evaluate protein performance through processing, formulation, storage, and shelf life, translating findings into actionable recommendations for product and process development.
• Independently interpret complex or ambiguous results, develop hypotheses, and determine the most valuable next experiments.
• Partner closely with Product Development, Process/Manufacturing, Quality, and other technical teams to translate laboratory findings into practical, scalable solutions.
• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation and clearly communicate findings, conclusions, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What You’ll Bring

• PhD in Food Science, Protein Chemistry, , Chemistry, or a closely related field, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience; or a Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with protein extraction, purification, characterization, functionality, and/or process optimization, ideally within food or food-adjacent applications.
• Strong understanding of protein structure-function relationships and how processing conditions influence protein behavior and performance.
• Direct experience with multiple protein characterization techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fluorescence spectroscopy, rheology, SDS-PAGE, or related analytical methods.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing multi-variable experiments using DOE, factorial designs, or other systematic optimization approaches.
• Working knowledge of sequence- and structure-based bioinformatics tools such as BLAST, structure alignment tools, or ProtParam-type sequence analysis.
• Strong analytical judgment and ability to synthesize complex experimental data into clear conclusions and recommendations.
• Excellent experimental discipline, documentation, and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both highly technical and non-technical audiences.
• High degree of independence and self-direction. You are comfortable determining the next question or experiment rather than relying on a predefined protocol.

Nice to Have

• Experience working specifically with plant, alternative, or novel proteins.
• Experience translating laboratory findings into food applications or scalable manufacturing processes.
• Experience working across both fundamental protein science and applied food/product development.
• Experience with food starch chemistry and/or purification.
• Bonus - Hands-on experience with cell cultivation, fermentation, or fermentation-derived proteins.

The Total Package

We develop compensation using market data, internal benchmarks, and candidate experience to ensure fairness and competitiveness.

Compensation: The expected base salary range for this role (Emeryville, CA) is $135,000 to 158,000 – the level and respective final compensation will depend on experience and technical depth.

In addition, we offer:

• Equity
• Up to 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage (up to 90% for dependents)
• Flexible time off
• 9 Holidays + company closure between Christmas & New Years 

Additional Information & Requirements 

• This is a full-time regular position based onsite (5 days/week) at our headquarters in Emeryville, CA. We are prioritizing local candidates at this time.  
• At this time, Just Food Company is unable to sponsor or transfer employment visas. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.  
• In compliance with federal law, all new hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Form I-9 upon hire. 
• Just Food Company and its subsidiaries participate in E-Verify.