Job Description
The Company:
Epogee is a food innovation company committed to transforming the food system with dramatically lower-calorie ingredients that don’t compromise on taste or texture. Our flagship ingredient, EPG® (esterified propoxylated glycerol), is a patented fat alternative with 92% fewer calories than traditional fats. Backed by 60+ clinical studies and full GRAS status across major categories, we are scaling rapidly with top-tier manufacturing partners, regulatory support, and an expanding customer base across CPG and foodservice.
Note: Epogee is a subsidiary of Linus Technology. David is the other brand currently operating as a subsidiary of Linus Technology as well. While this role will be listed through David’s hiring channels, the Director of R&D will operate exclusively within Epogee’s independent team, leadership, and mission.
Role and Responsibilities:
We’re seeking a Director of R&D to lead Epogee’s internal research and development team. This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role at the technical core of the company. It blends chemistry, product performance, intellectual property, and commercial viability to drive the next generation of fat innovation.
You will report directly to the General Manager and oversee a lean team of chemists and engineers, own Epogee’s internal R&D roadmap, and guide development from early experimentation to commercial scale-up.
This position is based in New York City (in-person, full-time) and will require initial immersion at our satellite lab for technical onboarding.
Responsibilities:
R&D Strategy
- Lead Epogee’s in-house R&D roadmap and manage a lean, high-output team
- Own end-to-end technical development across fats, oils, and emulsions, from lab to commercial scale
Team Management
- Set team priorities, manage timelines, and ensure consistent execution against R&D goals
- Mentor and develop junior scientists, lab techs, and apprentices through regular coaching and feedback
- Build a culture of scientific rigor, curiosity, and continuous learning
Experiment Design & Execution
- Design experiments and analytical testing to make improvements on the EPG molecule and create future innovations
- Oversee analytical testing and hands-on lab work as needed
- Manage daily lab operations and ensure safety, quality, and documentation compliance
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Translate technical data into commercial insights for use by product, sales, and customer teams
- Partner with manufacturing and quality teams to troubleshoot and support scale-up
IP Development
- Identify, develop, and protect novel approaches through patents and trade secrets
- Leave the science stronger than you found it — with rigor, clarity, and defensibility
What You’ll Bring:
- PhD or MS in Material Science, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- Deep technical experience in fats, oils, and emulsions — ideally including esterification or crystallization
- Track record of managing and mentoring technical teams
- Analytical thinker with a hands-on mindset - not afraid to dive into the lab
- Strong communication skills and comfort translating science across audiences
- Bonus: Familiarity with IP strategy and technical writing (e.g., patents, disclosures)
- Bonus: Demonstrated success leading R&D from early development through commercialization
Practicalities:
- Initial lab work will take place at Epogee’s lab in Clemson, SC for ~1 year before the NYC lab is operational. Following lab set up, full-time, in-office role based in New York City — onsite five days a week.
- Occasional travel will be required to support technical training and production-related activities across our partner network.
- Cash compensation: $150,000 – $180,000+ (commensurate with experience)
- Company equity opportunity on top of cash compensation.
- 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
- 401(k) with 4% match
- Additional perks, such as covered gym expenses
- Substantial and required PTO