Junior Application Scientist

Job Title: Application Scientist

Job Description

The Application Scientist will join a 3-6 month contract, with the potential to extend, focused on supporting, creating, and developing applications for existing analytical instruments, including ORACLE, SMART 6, Phoenix, Sprint, SAM, and legacy units. This role involves becoming an expert in these instruments and in reference testing methods such as Kjeldahl digestion, Soxhlet extraction, and Acid Hydrolysis. The Application Scientist plays a key role in supporting the sales pipeline by collaborating with sales representatives and corporate account managers, and by working directly with customers to validate their samples for advanced food testing technology. The position works closely with the Product Manager and Applications Group to conduct analyses, compile lab reports, and generate data that can be leveraged across the organization for both technical and marketing purposes.

Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of all instruments used in the laboratory, including ORACLE, SMART 6, Phoenix, Sprint, SAM, and other legacy units, through in-house training and hands-on application work.
• Work directly with the Product Manager and Applications team to design and develop novel testing solutions for the process control division, focusing on fat, moisture, protein, and ash analysis.
• Perform standard reference testing on incoming customer samples using methods such as Kjeldahl digestion, Soxhlet extraction, Acid Hydrolysis, and other established analytical procedures.
• Maintain a current understanding of internal technology, competitive technologies, and standard reference test methods to ensure accurate and relevant application development.
• Communicate new developments, testing methods, and application results through clearly written application notes, lab reports, and regular team meetings.
• Generate relevant analytical data and present findings internally to the Process Control team to support product development, sales efforts, and technical decision-making.
• Support Technical Support teams, including Applications and Service, by generating and updating data for key applications and ensuring documentation is accurate and accessible.
• Organize and document all application development work so it can be reused and leveraged for other customers and internal groups, including providing new application data to the Product Manager for marketing content creation.
• Collaborate with sales representatives and corporate account managers to validate customer samples and support the sales pipeline by demonstrating instrument capabilities and application suitability.
• Provide application support for local accounts when required, offering technical guidance and troubleshooting on analytical methods and instrument use.
• Work closely with, and at times under the direction of, the experienced Application Specialist to align application development with broader team goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support laboratory operations, process control initiatives, and cross-functional projects.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of a BA/BS in Chemistry, Food Sciences, Biology, or a similar Physical Science discipline.
• 2-3 years of experience in application development, preferably in a laboratory or food industry setting.
• Strong demonstrated aptitude for technical writing, including the ability to produce clear application notes and detailed lab reports.
• Hands-on experience with analytical chemistry techniques related to moisture, ash, fat, and protein analysis.
• Knowledge of spectroscopy techniques, including FTIR and NIR, and their application in food testing and process control.
• Experience with method validation, application testing, and application development in a scientific or industrial environment.
• Ability to work in customer-facing situations, supporting process control and food industry applications.
• Excellent organization and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to motivate and influence team members while fostering a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.
• Effective interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and external customers.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and strategically to achieve individual and organizational goals.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related fields, with exposure to the food industry and food testing applications.
• Experience working as an application scientist, food scientist, chemist, or in research and development environments.
• Familiarity with process control in manufacturing or food production settings.
• Experience generating data and content that can be used for marketing and technical collateral.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment that combines laboratory work with customer interaction and internal presentations.
• Ability to quickly learn proprietary technologies and legacy instruments and apply this knowledge to new applications.

Work Environment

This role is based within a manufacturer of food testing instrumentation, working primarily in a clean room laboratory environment where approximately 75% of the business involves food testing applications. The Application Scientist will work with advanced analytical instruments and reference testing methods in a professional, organized lab setting. The environment emphasizes collaboration with product management, applications teams, technical support, and sales, with a mix of hands-on laboratory work, data analysis, report writing, and internal presentations. Dress is typical for a laboratory and professional office setting, with appropriate lab attire and adherence to safety and cleanliness standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Matthews, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Matthews,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.