Food Scientist

Magic Spoon reimagines your childhood breakfasts favorites with more protein, less sugar, and more fun. Since launching in 2019, we've brought our unbelievably tasty cereal to over one million customers online and over 20,000 stores nationwide. With our recently launched Protein Treats and Protein Granola we're continuing to find new ways to make mornings magical - all made possible by our incredible team.

We’re looking for a passionate and detail-oriented Food Scientist to help fuel our product innovation and drive best-in-class quality as we expand in both retail and DTC channels. Reporting to our Senior Manager, Product Development, you’ll play a critical role in formulating, optimizing, and commercializing new loops (and maybe even some new breakfast surprises) for our growing customer base.

This role requires on-site presence in our NYC office up to 5 days per week, with exact in-office expectations determined by business needs.

In this role you’ll:

• Manage formulation and product development projects from bench-top concept through to commercialization, working closely with internal and external partners
• Design, plan, and execute lab-based experiments and pilot plant/commercial scale-up trials to optimize product quality, shelf life, and manufacturing efficiency, with support from manager
• Analyze ingredient functionality, processing parameters, and sensory and consumer feedback to iterate and refine product performance
• Evaluate, qualify, and partner with new and existing raw material suppliers in collaboration with procurement and FSQR, ensuring all specifications and compliance standards are met
• Ensure regulatory and nutritional compliance for all product prototypes and final formulas, maintaining internal documentation (Genesis, master BOMs, etc.)
• Conduct analytical and sensory testing; document results to ensure products meet Magic Spoon’s high standards for flavor, freshness, and nutrition
• Support and maintain lab inventory levels, following SOPs and healthy restock procedures
• Proactively identify and troubleshoot challenges in ingredient sourcing, production, or quality, proposing innovative solutions
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including operations, supply chain, procurement, marketing, and FSQR, to ensure a seamless transition from R&D to launch
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all formulation work; document learnings to help institutionalize R&D best practices

• BS or MS in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related technical/science discipline
• 2-5 years relevant experience in food product development, formulation, or technical applications, ideally within CPG, ingredient, or startup environments. (Relevant internships or co-op experience welcomed)
• Familiarity with product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization
• Hands-on laboratory experience in benchtop prototyping, analytical testing, and/or sensory evaluation
• Strong knowledge of food safety, ingredient functionality, and basic regulatory/Nutrition Labeling requirements (FDA, USDA, etc)
• Track record of successful cross-functional collaboration and project documentation/management
• Excellent organizational and communication skills; highly detail-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and urgency
• Enthusiasm for startup energy, creative problem-solving, and a love of breakfast!
• Travel up to 50% (at peak time) for supplier visits, manufacturing trials, co-manufacturer oversight, trade shows, or other business needs
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain eligibility for business travel.
• This role requires international travel to Canada. Candidates must hold or be able to obtain a valid passport for international travel. 
• Ability to stand for extended periods while conducting experiments, product trials, or working at lab benches and pilot plant equipment.
• Frequent walking within laboratory, production, or R&D facilities.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and moving of materials, equipment, and ingredient containers (typically up to 25–50 pounds).
• Ability to perform work in labs, kitchens, pilot plants, or manufacturing environments that may be:
• Warm or cold (depending on the product being tested).
• Humid or dry.
• Exposed to strong odors from flavorings, ingredients, or cleaning agents.
• Exposure to food allergens, powders, or dust depending on the nature of product development.
• Ability to safely operate and troubleshoot food processing and lab equipment.
• Frequent use of hands to handle laboratory tools, small-scale processing equipment, packaging prototypes, or ingredient samples.
• Precision required for measuring, weighing, and mixing formulations accurately.
• Ability to operate computers, analytical instruments, and specialized lab equipment.
• Strong sensory abilities for:
• Visual inspection of products (color, consistency, appearance).
• Taste and olfactory evaluation (flavor development, sensory testing).
• Texture and mouthfeel assessments.

This role requires tasting and evaluating a variety of food products as part of the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals who are unable to perform this task due to medical or other valid reasons.

• Competitive salary & equity
• Bonus eligibility
• 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Generous parental leave
• Flexible vacation
• Catered lunch in office
• Dog friendly office 
• Unlimited cereal ✨🥣

What we value:

Hold on to the Dream 💫 Adult life shouldn’t be boring, prioritize your work/life balance, we can build a world-class company and have fun doing it

Don’t miss the bowl for the loops 🙌 We’re all working towards the same big goals, prioritize collaboration over ego, politics, or possessiveness

Be a Fruit Loop in a world of Cheerios 🌈 Bring your whole, unique self to work, celebrate and care for everyone

Pour your own milk…and don’t be afraid to spill a little 🥛 We trust you, use your best judgment to make decisions. Mistakes are inevitable, let’s learn from them!

No Added Sugar 🥄 We skip the sugarcoating - truth fuels growth, feedback builds muscles, and honest conversation is part of a balanced breakfast.

Magic Spoon is committed to building a company that not only represents, but includes, individuals across different backgrounds and perspectives. Everyone deserves an equal seat at the breakfast table.

Magic Spoon intends to offer competitive base pay within the stated range, dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. To further compensate and recognize our employees for their work, our total compensation package includes equity and a robust benefits package. The anticipated annual base salary range for this role is $70,000-95,000.