At Apeel, we look to nature to help the global food system extend quality, prevent waste, and ensure an abundant future for our planet.
We believe that our most essential ingredient in our recipe for success is our people. We strive to cultivate an environment where everyone is welcomed, and can bring their full, authentic selves into everything they do at Apeel. Humility, Ingenuity, Leadership, Teamwork and Grit are the values that define us and how we work with each other, customers, and communities across the globe.
About this Role
Apeel Sciences is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and research-oriented formulation development expert to join our team. As a key member of our R&D department, you will be responsible for identifying and optimizing the performance, mixability, and robustness of novel formulations. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on scientist who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and brings deep technical knowledge of colloidal systems. While the primary focus is on discovery and optimization, the role also includes support for scale-up and technology transfer activities.
This position will report to the Senior Director of R&D and will be based out of our headquarters in Goleta, California. We’re looking for someone to join our team immediately.
What You’ll Do
- Design and execute experimental studies to develop and optimize formulations aimed at extending the shelf life of fresh produce and reducing postharvest spoilage across the supply chain.
- Design, conduct, and analyze Design of Experiments (DoEs) to maximize product performance, stability, and robustness.
- Perform formulation feasibility studies, including evaluation of the impact of formulation changes on on-fruit product performance and solution stability.
- Select appropriate emulsifiers, surfactants, stabilizers, and processing methods (e.g., high-shear mixing, sonication, microfluidization) that maximize product performance and solution stability.
- Characterize formulations using techniques such as rheology, microscopy, and particle size analysis.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs, to ensure alignment and successful execution of scale-up activities.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in formulation development and scale-up.
What You Bring
- Ideal candidates for this position will hold an advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related STEM field.
- Hands-on experience (e.g., PhD with 0-2+ years) in formulation optimization and process development within the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, biotechnology, or related industries.
- In-depth knowledge of formulation techniques, process optimization, scale-up methodologies, and IPC development for multi-phase systems, including emulsions, dispersions, and liquid concentrates.
- Analytical skills with experience in statistical analysis and DoE (Design of Experiments), and demonstrated application to process optimization and troubleshooting.
- Knowledge of solution characterization techniques, including but not limited to turbidity, viscosity, rheology, and particle sizing.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage timelines effectively.
- Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively across different functions and levels of the organization.
- Independent and problem-solving mindset with a track record of successfully overcoming challenges in scale-up processes.
- Ability to perform indoor and outdoor work in cold or hot environments, drive a vehicle, and lift and move boxes of fruit (up to 40 lbs).
- Up to 5% travel (domestic and international) may be required.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to walk and stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours a day), traverse uneven terrain, and move swiftly through packinghouse or other agricultural environments.
- Be able to climb a step ladder
- Capability to lift and carry moderate to heavy loads up to 40 lbs, such as equipment, boxes and bags of fruit or product. Manipulate up to 100 pounds with assistance.
- Proficiency in and dexterity for handling small tools and delicate equipment for tasks.
- Stamina to perform physically demanding tasks for prolonged periods.
- Capacity to bend, stoop, squat, and kneel repeatedly (up to 8 hours a day).
- Ability to coordinate hand-eye movements and manipulate objects accurately, essential for tasks such as laboratory work and equipment operation.
- Knowledge of proper lifting techniques, use of protective equipment, and adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries. Must be able to perceive and respond to dangerous situations.
Our total rewards packages may include comprehensive health plans, 401k matching, equity, flexible PTO, sick leave, paid parental leave, and more! Compensation for this role is expected to be between $120,000 and $145,000. Actual base pay may be higher or lower depending on geographic locations, skills, experience, and other factors permitted by law.
At Apeel, we value potential and recognize that great candidates come from diverse backgrounds. We seek to build a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. If you are enthusiastic about this role and believe your unique perspective would be an asset to our team, but don't meet every qualification, please don't hesitate to apply!
Apeel believes that the scale of our impact is determined by the teams that work with us. As such, we seek to build high-performing teams of people from various experiences and backgrounds who can collectively push our company into new realms. We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. If you have any need for accommodations, you can let us know if you choose and know that we will do our best to assist you.
