Associate Scientist, Quality

Company:

Epogee is a food science and lipid chemistry company developing novel structured lipids for the food industry. Our flagship ingredient, EPG® (esterified propoxylated glycerol), is a patented fat alternative with 92% fewer calories than traditional fats. EPG can be used in a wide variety of food applications (e.g., frying and baking, as well as confectionery and snack applications).

Note: Epogee is a subsidiary of Medici Brands. David Protein is another brand currently operating as a subsidiary of Medici Brands. While this role will be listed through David’s hiring channels, the Associate Scientist, Quality will operate exclusively within Epogee’s independent team, leadership, and mission.

Role and Responsibilities:

The Associate Scientist, Quality is a hands-on, lab-based role responsible for executing quality testing, analytical procedures, and shelf-life studies in support of Epogee's R&D and quality functions. This person supports analytical/synthesis procedures (titrations, acid value, hydroxyl value, batch assessment). The role reports into R&D and works closely with the applications and synthesis teams at Epogee, while collaborating with the broader Medici quality organization.

You will report directly to the Director of Epogee R&D and work tangentially with all company partners.

Maintain and contribute to a Safety-First Lab Culture

• Safety First. Actively champion and seek to continuously improve the culture of safety in our lab
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safety guidelines and integrate best practices into daily lab activities
• Ensure proper use, storage, and disposal of chemicals, biological materials, and hazardous waste
• Ensure all personal protective equipment (PPE) is used correctly and available at all times
• Maintain quality lab equipment, calibration schedules, and supply inventory

Analytical & Quality Testing

• Execute routine and non-routine analytical testing on EPG batches and ingredients, including titrations, acid value, hydroxyl value, water activity, and other physical/chemical analyses
• Perform batch assessment and release testing to verify conformance to internal specifications
• Support method development and validation as new test procedures are needed
• Maintain accurate, well-documented lab records and ensure data integrity across all testing

Shelf Life & Stability

• Conduct shelf-life and stability testing for EPG and perform comparable analyses on EPG-containing finished products for customers
• Collect, organize, and report data on a recurring basis per established procedures
• Flag deviations or unexpected trends to the R&D team for investigation

Quality Documentation & Data

• Compile and organize quality data for internal review and reporting
• Support preparation of Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and other quality documentation for internal and external customers
• Assist with quality trend tracking as directed by R&D leadership
• Support with building a quality management system and sharpening document organization and development

Cross-Functional Support

• Work with the synthesis/analytical chemistry team on production batch quality assessments
• Support R&D and applications teams with ad hoc testing and sample preparation
• Coordinate with external labs when third-party testing is required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Comfort and enthusiasm for spending the majority of the day in the lab running hands-on analytical work
• Familiarity with wet chemistry techniques (titrations, acid/base analysis) - coursework or internship experience is sufficient
• Familiarity with food safety and regulatory frameworks (FDA, USDA, CFIA, FSMA, HACCP, SQF, Prop 65).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Low Ego, High Drive - Humble, self-aware, and motivated by the mission.

Benefits

• This is a full-time, in-office role based in New York City. We work onsite five days a week- when the culture fits, it is fun to be in the office together.
• Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 per year, inclusive of bonus.
• Company equity options.
• 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental Insurance.
• 401(k) with 4% match.
• Additional perks, such as covered gym expenses.
• Substantial and required PTO.
• Travel will be required to assess manufacturing operations.