Principal Scientist

Job Title: Principal ScientistJob DescriptionWe are seeking a highly skilled Principal Scientist to lead advanced enzyme research and product innovation, focusing on driving revenue growth and expanding market share. This role involves approximately 75% hands-on laboratory work, coupled with responsibilities in technical leadership, patent development, customer collaboration, and team management.Responsibilities+ Execute complex laboratory experiments and bench-scale research.+ Identify innovative product application opportunities and deliver at least two patent applications annually.+ Develop at least three novel product applications annually and oversee the end-to-end design and conceptualization for new product development initiatives.+ Lead high-level presentations to promote technology at key meetings and conferences.+ Manage external relationships with food research institutes.+ Optimize the operational performance and productivity of the Technical Services department.+ Ensure adherence to GMP and SQF standards in compliance with the corporate quality management system.+ Supervise and mentor laboratory personnel to foster professional development.+ Drive corporate revenue and profitability through targeted R&D initiatives.+ Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to support business development.+ Lead joint R&D projects with key customers.+ Provide technical and analytical services to clients for business retention and market expansion.+ Oversee laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and safety protocols.+ Ensure strict adherence to Food Safety standards and report any risks.+ Supervise and mentor junior staff and manage the team budget.+ Maintain rigorous documentation standards and coordinate with global R&D groups.+ Oversee a multidisciplinary team of scientists and manage performance reviews and personnel transitions.Essential Skills+ Ph.D. in a scientific discipline.+ 3-5 years' experience in R&D, preferably in food science.+ Experience with enzymes in the food industry.+ Proven track record in patent filing.+ Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation such as GC, HPLC, and Spectrophotometry.+ Exceptional proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting complex scientific documents.+ Ability to prepare persuasive articles and presentations and demonstrate advanced scientific reasoning.Additional Skills & Qualifications+ Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.+ Strong organizational and time management capabilities.+ Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced R&D environment.+ Proficiency in oral communication and fostering collaborative dialogue.Work EnvironmentThe position is based in a research and development lab environment. The role requires extensive hands-on laboratory work, adhering to high safety and quality standards. The position involves collaboration with global R&D teams and participation in international conferences.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elgin, IL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $52.00 - $57.00/hr.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Elgin,IL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Mar 22, 2026.Diversity, Equity & InclusionAt Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:+ Hiring diverse talent+ Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection+ Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes+ Ensuring growth opportunities for our peopleActalent is an equal opportunity employer.About ActalentActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.