Job Description

G.S. Gelato is a leading U.S. manufacturer of authentic Italian gelato, sorbet, plant-based frozen desserts, and soft serve with national distribution across foodservice and retail. We are seeking a proven, hands-on Research & Development Food Scientist to join our R&D team in Fort Walton Beach, FL. This role is ideal for an innovator with a passion for frozen dessert formulation including ice cream, gelato, sorbet, plant-based products, variegates, inclusions, chocolates, and trending flavors.

This position is on-site only and requires relocation if you are outside the local area.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Develop new formulations for gelato, ice cream, sorbet, dairy-free and plant-based frozen desserts.
• Create and refine recipes using variegates, inclusions, chocolate systems, and flavor technologies.
• Improve existing formulations for performance, cost, nutrition, compliance, or sensory enhancement.
• Conduct sensory evaluations (flavor, texture, color) and optimize products based on feedback.
• Monitor ingredient functionality and interactions in frozen dessert systems.

Ingredient & Supplier Management

• Source raw materials, variegates, inclusions, stabilizers, and specialty ingredients from prospective suppliers.
• Maintain accurate records of ingredient documentation and raw material specs.
• Evaluate new ingredients through bench testing and production-scale trials.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to identify alternate suppliers and ensure cost-effective sourcing.

Scale-Up, Quality & Compliance

• Design and support scale-up processes to transition formulations from lab to full production.
• Ensure all products meet regulatory, labeling, and certification requirements (Kosher, Vegan, Organic, etc.).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of FDA, USDA, and labeling regulations.
• Complete and maintain customer-required documentation, specification sheets, and nutritionals.
• Use NutraCoster (or similar software) to manage ingredient and formulation data.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with QA, Production, Sales, Purchasing, and Marketing teams to ensure successful development and launch of products.
• Provide R&D insight during customer presentations or internal product discussions.
• Assist in interviewing and training prospective R&D lab personnel.

Continuous Improvement & Industry Awareness

• Stay current on industry trends, new technologies, ingredients, processes, and regulatory changes.
• Proactively bring new ideas, flavor concepts, and innovation opportunities to the team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related field OR equivalent proven experience.
• Prior experience in ice cream, gelato, frozen dessert, or dairy R&D is required.
• Strong understanding of frozen dessert formulation science, including stabilizers, emulsifiers, dairy systems, and plant-based alternatives.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop and commercialize new products.
• Excellent project management and organization skills; able to manage multiple timelines.
• Meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and data-driven problem-solving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; familiarity with formulation software a plus.
• Must be able to work on-site in our R&D lab daily. Remote work is not available.
• Must be able to relocate to Fort Walton Beach, FL if not already local.

Compensation:

Range from $80,000 - $95,000+ depending on experience

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance available (details discussed during hiring process)

To Apply:

Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to cbryant @ gsgelato.com (remove spaces) . Only candidates with relevant experience and on-location availability will be considered. (This position is in-office. Remote or hybrid applicants will not be considered.)

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