Sr. Food Scientist, Cheese Product Development

About Ingredion

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide Without even realizing it, you've experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet's food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values diverse perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Singapore

Workplace type: On-site / Hybrid

Reports to: Manager – Global Dairy & Alternative Dairy Applications

As Sr. Food Scientist – Cheese Product Development, you will lead innovation and development in the cheese and alternative dairy category. You will drive ingredient and formulation breakthroughs by applying scientific rigor, hands-on experimentation, and collaboration across regional and global teams. This is a highly technical and visible role where your expertise will shape the next generation of dairy and alternative dairy solutions for Ingredion's customers worldwide.

• Lead product development projects in the cheese category, partnering cross-functionally with Marketing, Regional Technical Services, and customers.
• Translate customer and market needs into technical solutions that deliver superior value and functionality.
• Design, formulate, and optimize dairy and alternative dairy cheeses in laboratory and pilot settings, ensuring commercial feasibility.
• Conduct and analyze experiments to optimize protein, fat, and carbohydrate interactions for consumer liking and processing efficiency.
• Identify and evaluate novel ingredients and enzymes that enhance cheese yield, texture, and performance.
• Serve as the subject matter expert in cheese applications, providing scientific leadership and technical support to commercial teams.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.
• Coordinate sensory and consumer testing, oversee sample production, and monitor shelf-life quality and product consistency.
• Collaborate with Rheology, Texture, and Sensory teams to ensure holistic product understanding.
• Support pilot-to-plant scale-up and commercialization, including direct customer trials when required.
• Maintain accurate documentation, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive intellectual property development.
• Stay ahead of cheese and alternative dairy trends through continuous learning and external engagement with research and industry networks.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemical or Process Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years' progressive experience in cheese product development, including pilot and plant-scale commercialization.
• Proven expertise in dairy protein chemistry and cheese-making technologies.
• Deep understanding of functional ingredient behavior, process optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Strong experimental design, data interpretation, and technical reporting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to convert scientific insights into commercially viable solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including stakeholder presentations.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% globally for customer visits, trials, and conferences.

• Innovative problem solver with passion for applying food science to real-world challenges.
• Collaborative and curious scientist who thrives in cross-functional global teams.
• Customer-focused communicator who translates science into business value.
• Hands-on developer experienced in both pilot and commercial-scale operations.
• Forward-thinking learner who stays informed on new technologies and market trends.

At Ingredion, you'll discover the opportunity to make an impact every day—backed by global resources, innovation culture, and a supportive environment. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive base salary and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Programs – Health, retirement, and life coverage
• Career Growth – Opportunities to progress into regional or global R&D leadership roles
• Innovation Culture – Work on cutting-edge food technologies in global collaboration networks
• Employee Recognition & Referral Programs – Celebrate and share success