Food Development Scientist

Food Development Scientist - Food Technician Overview: This position is responsible for product development and commercialization of new product, product renovation and product maintenance projects. In collaboration with cross functional team, the Scientist is responsible to manage project deliverables to contribute to achieving short and long term departmental and company objectives. This position will work closely with cross-functional partners in Marketing, Consumer Insights and Sales to carry out product design and development work leading to products that deliver on consumer and customer needs. The position works collaboratively with manufacturing, Quality and Supply chain functions to assure products consistently deliver on product design. Responsibilities:

• Direct the coordinated development of new products and improvements of current products to deliver on objectives of the annual business plans. Apply sound culinary and scientific techniques to design products with consumer/customer valued attributes.
• Lead multiple development projects using detailed investigations, well thought out experimental design, sound scientific techniques and data based decision making.
• Investigate for product and process challenges; provide creative solutions to solve challenges in development and commercialization.
• Work with other departments (Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality and Purchasing) to determine equipment, materials and processes necessary to produce products to maximize capacity and optimize product quality and differentiation.
• Assure technically sound sensory panels are conducted for product development, shelf-life studies, improving/maintaining present products and competitive testing.
• Identify and complete technical study of ingredients, suppliers, co-packers relevant to meeting project objectives and meeting all standards.
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic working environment
• Keep current on new ingredients, processes and equipment through trade journals, professional meetings, food shows and meetings with technical representative.
• Develops supportive relationships with cross functional peers within, marketing, sales, manufacturing, sourcing, engineering, finance and business support functions.
• Build partnerships and leverages technical expertise of ingredient suppliers.
• Communicate frequently with industry contacts to stay abreast of technical and market developments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Self-motivated
• Proficient in Excel, Access, Power Point, and ERP systems.
• Proficient in High Pressure Processing

Job Requirements

• MUST have a Bachelors Degree or above in Microbiology/Food Science.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in microbiology laboratory undertaking hands on microbiological analysis from sample preparation, media preparations, plating techniques, enumeration through various techniques including morphological data through microscopy, rapid techniques including immunology, molecular biology advanced techniques such as PCR, Gel electrophoresis and relating to epidemiology.
• Understanding of statistical techniques is critical for this position.
• MUST have knowledge in food chemistry, analytical chemistry associated food ingredients, and statistical analysis. Color, Flavor, Mycotoxin, Pesticide & other chemical residue testing is critical knowledge linked to the product microbiology.
• Must articulate strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
• MUST have proven ability to interact effectively with department, company or customer associates and experience in a team-oriented environment is required.
• Applicant must be self-driven, pro-active, with scientific curiosity and take calculate risks on new products and process development.
• MUST have strong computer skills and be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• MUST be willing to travel as needed to plants, co-packers, customers and suppliers.
• Ability to work with a varied group of Food scientists, engineers in a collaborative environment at the innovation center, operations teams at plants across USA and globally in a fast growing company will be critical for this position.
• Must have High Pressure Processing Experience.

Additional Information:

This company does offer Health, Dental Insurance, 401(k) plan, and more.

If you meet these requirements and are eager to join a dynamic company poised for further growth, please respond with your cover letter, salary requirements, and resume. Relocation is not available.