Food Scientist

About M2 Ingredients

Full time, on-site in Vista, CA

At M2 Ingredients, we’re passionate about our mission to harness the amazing power of mushrooms for healthier lives.

We are the leading vertically integrated organic functional mushroom solution provider in the Western Hemisphere. From spore to solution, we grow our portfolio of functional mushrooms in a state-of-the-art indoor facility in Vista, California—ensuring consistency, purity, and quality at every stage.

Since 2010, we’ve partnered with some of the most innovative global brands in the supplement, beverage, and food industries, providing functional mushroom ingredients that deliver real results. Our founders—Dr. Sandra Carter, a health and wellness expert with a PhD in preventative medicine, and Steve Farrar, a mycologist with over 30 years of cultivation experience—remain actively involved in the business and continue to shape the future of functional wellness.

Join us and be part of a team that’s redefining how the world experiences mushrooms—backed by science, driven by purpose, and committed to quality.

Position Summary

The Application Food Scientist will work closely with the M2 Ingredients Sales Team and New Product Development Team to create and validate novel formulations that incorporate our functional mushroom materials. This role requires a hands-on, solutions-focused scientist who is both creative and technically strong. The ideal candidate is passionate about innovation, thinks abstractly, and enjoys solving complex formulation challenges across a variety of product categories.

The Application Food Scientist will perform duties in accordance with industry specific regulations, Global Food Safety Initiative Standards, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Certification, Good Manufacturing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Standards, performance expectations as well as Workplace Health and Safety Policies and Procedures.

The Application Food Scientist plays a key role in supporting changes and improvements in performance, food safety and quality. Partnering with Scientific Affairs and cross functional fields, the Food Scientist will support overall food safety and quality culture ensuring Safe & Quality Products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers to develop innovative product applications using M2 Ingredients’ functional mushrooms in supplement, food, beverage, confectionery, and personal care formats
• Develop and deliver high-quality prototypes to support strategic sales opportunities and customer sampling requests
• Source ingredients, manage sample inventory, and document all formulations and testing outcomes
• Design and execute experiments to validate functionality and stability of mushroom materials in various applications
• Maintain detailed formulation records and experimental data, including version control and compliance with regulatory standards
• Present formulation outcomes and recommendations to internal scientific and cross-functional teams
• Collaborate with external co-manufacturers and suppliers to support commercialization projects, when applicable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Food Science, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• 2–4 years of hands-on formulation experience in food, beverage, or natural supplements
• Demonstrated experience with a variety of formats such as ready-to-drink (RTD), ready-to-mix (RTM), bars, confections, and cosmetics/personal care
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FDA cGMP, HACCP, BRCGS)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Experience managing relationships with external manufacturers or development partners is a plus

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We believe our people are our greatest ingredient, and we’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, your life, and your future. When you join M2 Ingredients, you’re joining a company that invests in you.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Company-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance Options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) with Company Contribution

At M2 Ingredients, wellness isn’t just something we create—it’s something we live.

Compensation & Benefits:

This full-time role will receive a competitive salary + benefits, including medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401k contribution and more. This position's anticipated annual pay range is $80,000-$90,000 plus a 10% bonus. Various factors are considered when determining an individual's compensation–including a candidate’s professional background, education, certifications, experience, professional licenses, and location.

Final offer amounts may vary from the amounts listed. We neither ask for nor consider the salary history of applicants.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LOCATION

M2 Ingredients is located in Vista, CA (about 35 miles north of San Diego and 60 south of Orange County). This position requires you to work full time, on-site in our Vista, CA location.