Meet Sambavi Sritharan
“I’m fascinated by what’s happening in the lab and how it translates into taste”
- Job Title: Trainee Flavour Research Analyst
- Company: Synergy Flavours
- Degree: MChem Chemistry, University of Surrey
From Lab Curiosity to Flavour Chemistry
Sambavi Sritharan didn’t grow up dreaming of working in flavours. Like many children, she initially considered becoming a doctor, then later teaching. But as she grew older, she realised her passion lay in being in the lab, exploring chemistry and biology firsthand.
“I knew I wanted to do something in the lab, whether that was biology or chemistry but just being in the lab.”
Her A-level choices of maths, chemistry and product design reflected a balance of analytical thinking and creativity. Chemistry in particular captured her interest.
“I really enjoyed A-level chemistry, which was surprising because at GCSE it was my least favourite subject. There’s also a lot of maths in chemistry, which suited me.”
Finding Flavour
Sambavi’s entry into the flavour industry was unexpected.
“I got a call about a trainee flavour research analyst role at Synergy Flavours. I’d never worked in flavours before, so I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. But the job involved things like gas chromatography, which intrigued me.”
Her role bridges analytical chemistry and sensory science, supporting flavourists to create accurate, high-quality flavours.
What Does an Analytical Chemist Actually Do?
Sambavi works primarily on quality control and flavour matching. Her day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Routine QC analysis: Checking flavours to ensure consistency.
- Flavour matching: Extracting and analysing samples on GCMS to identify differences.
- Method development: Optimising extraction techniques to recover as many flavour compounds as possible.
- Sensory testing: Comparing recreated flavours with target flavours and providing feedback.
Collaboration is mainly with flavourists and analytical teams.
No Day is the Same
While there’s a routine in running extractions and GCMS analysis, every day brings variety. Urgent flavour matches require multi-hour lab work, data integration and detailed analysis, while quieter periods allow focus on method development and optimisation.
“It’s quite varied. Some days I’m deep in the lab, other times I’m analysing data, working on projects or helping flavourists refine a match. There’s always something new.”
The Joy of Flavour Chemistry
Sambavi enjoys the combination of lab work and desk-based analysis.
“During my industry placement in a pharmaceutical company role, I was in the lab all the time, which can get intense. Now I have flexibility and I can choose when to be in the lab or at my desk.”
She also values being involved in sensory work.
“We taste target flavours against recreated versions and discuss similarities and differences. It’s a great way to link chemistry with the final taste.”
Developing her skills in practical chemistry, data analysis and presentation has been an important part of her growth.
“Being the expert on my own project means I present my findings to colleagues who don’t already know the details. It’s challenging but rewarding.”
Career Progression & Opportunities
Sambavi sees opportunities to grow in analytical chemistry, from developing expertise in method development to potential management roles. Her skills also align with innovation and sensory teams, creating flexibility for future career moves.
Advice for Aspiring Flavour Industry Professionals
Sambavi’s top tip? Do your research.
“Decide which area of the flavour industry interests you such as analytical or flavourist. Learn about the compounds and the work involved. Understanding the industry helps you choose the path that’s right for you.”
Final Thoughts
Sambavi’s journey shows that the flavour industry is not only about taste, it’s about curiosity, problem-solving and scientific exploration.
“I’m fascinated by what’s happening in the lab and how it translates into taste. There’s so much to learn and I enjoy every step of the process.”
Could Flavour Be Your Future?
Sambavi’s story demonstrates that careers in flavours can come from unexpected places. Whether you love chemistry, problem-solving or experimenting with sensory science, there are exciting opportunities waiting in this dynamic industry.