Associate Research Scientist

WHO WE ARE

We’re Talking Rain, and we’re so much more than water. We build flavorful brands, like Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, Sparkling Ice +Energy, Talking Rain Waters, and AQA pH waters. We're creating connections with every sip!

When it comes to success, we know we’re only as strong as our team. That's why we're an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and practice inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company.

Our Rain Makers are our most important asset. That’s why we invest in them with ⁠benefits and development opportunities that reflect just how much we value them. 

Our Research & Development and Innovation team is proud of where we’ve been, but more interested in where we’re going. This team drives creativity, pushing us to find the next big thing.

As the bridge between research and application, you’ll explore ingredient applications in formulating innovative products and investigate interactions to ensure quality. This is your opportunity to dive deep into the science as you support the commercialization of new products.

Reports to: Technical Advancement & Regulatory Manager

Direct Reports: NA

Location: Onsite at our Preston, WA office 5 days a week

*Life happens and we know it. In-office days and hours are dependent on department and business needs, so as long as you’re honest about your needs, we will do what we can to support when things pop up.

Annual Bonus Potential: 7% - Eligibility is based on the company hitting annual financial targets.

Base Salary: $63,000 - $83,000 (depending on experience)

Note: New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

• Support the Technical Advancement program, scouting and executing ingredient experimentation to develop a toolbox of ingredient technologies.

• Investigate ingredient interactions (e.g., sediment, discoloration, general stability, shelf life) to discover the how and the why, designing tests, collaborating with suppliers, drawing conclusions, and recommending solutions.

• Explore ingredient applications in specific products and building foundational knowledge to support product development and product quality.

• Contribute to the development of Intellectual Property, generating data through studies.

• Stay on top of industry updates, learning about new ingredients and technology and how they may apply to current and upcoming projects.

• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; good time-management, organizational, problem-prevention and problem-solving skills.

• Practice best laboratory practices, engage in laboratory housekeeping, ingredient and lab inventory management.

• Draft, update and maintain documentation relevant to individual R&D projects.

• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science in a technical discipline & 1 year relevant experience preferred.

• Strong working knowledge of food science principles, food manufacturing, package development processes, and ingredient functionality.

• Ability to learn and apply technical concepts related to laboratory instruments, sample analyses, and data interpretation with attention to detail.

• Ability to travel 10% to support trials, vendor visits, co manufacturer visits, etc.

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel).

Rain Makers are people who are accountable, curious, and inclusive.

We hold ourselves accountable and recognize room for growth while openly accepting feedback. We embrace change to deliver progressive results.

Rain Makers don’t wait for answers – we go find them. Curiosity is part of what makes us so successful. Sometimes we push back, productively challenging the status quo.

We promote inclusivity. Valuing communication and respect, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. We are an approachable bunch, building and fostering relationships with people of all backgrounds.

WHAT WE OFFER
Nothing makes a great job even better than throwing in a few perks, and we want to equip our Rain Makers with everything they need to maintain their health and well-being. That means things like...

• Three Weeks of Vacation. And that’s just to start! Spend some time with us, and you’ll accrue an additional week every few years, depending on your exempt status!

• Six Weeks of Paid Parental Leave. Parents get to spend time at home bonding with their new addition (whether it arrives by birth, fostering, or adoption). For birth mothers, additional time is provided for medical leave. Depending on the state in which you reside, additional time may also be available for parents who do not require medical leave.

• Flexibility Stipend. For eligible Rain Makers, spend this extra monthly stipend as you wish, but know it’s intended to contribute to things like your phone, internet or other business uses while working remotely or needs outside of normal working hours.

• Relocation: Relocation Available (when available)

• Onsite and Hybrid Employees: Get paid to carpool! Drive to work with another Rain Maker every week at least 2X a week and receive $0.25 per mile.

• 401k with Immediate Vesting. With matched contributions and investment customization, we'll help build a plan to reach your goals.

• Fitness Reimbursements. We're all about going the extra mile, so we provide reimbursements for community events and competitions like fun runs, triathlons, and cycling tours.

  • Employees may also enjoy access to our on-site gym in Preston complete with a personal trainer 2 days per week.

• Medical/Dental/Vision. Not only do we offer it, but our plans are excellent and flexible to your needs. And one is even free for our Rain Makers!

• Vehicle Program –

  • Field Sales Specialist – Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate

  • Field Sales Managers and Market Managers – Company car or vehicle stipend included!

  • Regional Sales Managers and Sales Directors – We use the leader in vehicle reimbursement solutions, Motus. This program provides a monthly fixed and variable rate that adheres to IRS guidelines for the business use of personal vehicles.

Please note, eligibility for our full benefits package is based on an average of 30+ hours per week in regular (not temporary) positions.

Want to get to know us better? Click to learn about us and our careers. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Instagram, and Facebook.