Associate Scientist, Quality (Epogee)

_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.