Research and Development Scientist – Dairy Beverages and Cheese

Job overview

The Research and Development Scientist – Dairy Beverages and Cheese role is onsite in Dakota, IL. The stated pay range is $65,000–$85,000 per year, based on experience. The role supports Berner Food & Beverage’s food safety, quality, and product innovation work. The scientist develops and improves dairy-based beverages and cheese products, supporting development from prototype through commercialization. Collaboration with Operations, Procurement, Quality, and customers helps translate formulas into production-ready products while meeting product specifications and applicable FDA and USDA requirements.

What you'll do

• Develop new products, optimize existing products, and adapt customer formulas
• prepare and evaluate benchtop samples
• set up formulas and processes for plant trials
• collaborate on pilot and production trials
• create specifications, ingredient statements, and Nutrition Facts panels
• maintain the beverage lab and pilot plant
• provide technical support to Operations
• assist with thermal processing studies and document formulas and parameters.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

research and development scientist

food science

dairy beverages

cheese products

product development

food safety

fda compliance

usda requirements

dakota il

berner food & beverage

$65,000–$85,000/year

onsite

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) benefits are offered.

Why this role

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field; a master’s degree in Dairy Science is preferred. The role is onsite and supports production trials in a 24/7 operation.

About the employer

Berner Food & Beverage, LLC is hiring for this role. Industry: Dry, Condensed, and Evaporated Dairy Product Manufacturing. Sector: 31.