Associate Scientist, Process R&D

Job Description
The IFF Health plant located in Madison, Wisconsin, USA manufactures a variety of food products and ingredients used in everyday food items, many of them found in local grocery stores including: starter cultures used in the production of cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream; probiotic cultures used for their health promoting effects on the digestive system of humans and animals; and other food ingredients such as food antioxidants for food preservation and enzymes used in cheese manufacturing.
We are looking for an Assistant Scientist to join our Process R&D Probiotics, Cultures, Food Protection Team! The candidate selected will provide support for process development at the Madison and Rochester sites including troubleshooting, improvements, transfers of processes, and manufacturing data ownership. There will be an emphasis on freeze-drying, scale-up and improvement of yields, performance, and reduction of costs.
Essential Functions of this position include (but are not limited to):

• Support lab-scale development and implementation of cost-effective manufacturing conditions (formulation and process) impacting cell yield, stability or quality for selected microbial strains, with special focus on formulation and freeze-drying processes
• Update and maintain data manufacturing files
• Perform statistical analysis on culture performance and communicate performance trends
• Investigate product deviations
• Ensure accurate execution and implementation of lab work by designing experiments, conducting experiments/trials, analyzing results and reporting results
• Coordinate/oversee the pilot-scale manufacturing of experimental products by working directly with the operators/supervisors and other Process R&D team members. This will be done through personal presence at the plant and working directly with operators/supervisors and writing reports summarizing results of the trial
• Follow process data and product quality after industrialization. Evaluate and troubleshoot problems that may arise in improved processes
• Support transfer of product from site to site and transfer of new processes/products from Process R&D to production in collaboration with Business, Operations, Quality, and R&D teams
• Evaluate and troubleshoot problems that may arise in new processes or in established processes. Serve as a technical resource to the manufacturing facilities to provide input and direction on important product/process/quality issues and support continued product quality improvement. Participate in important "fire-fighting" efforts to quickly resolve problems, satisfy our customers and maintain the business
• Flexibility to support occasional off-hour coverage including weekends

Job Requirements
A successful candidate will possess the following:

• Degree in microbiology, bioprocess, biotechnology, biochemistry, chemical/process engineering, or related degree with industry experience.
• Associate's Degree + 3-5 years of experience
• Bachelors preferred
• Fundamental understanding of lactic acid bacteria physiology, freeze-drying technology, and microbial fermentations, as well as process equipment functioning (preferred)
• Experience calculating statistics and advanced knowledge of Minitab Statistical Software
• Strong communication (verbal and written), and organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to independently design, ambitiously carry-out, and report the results of scientific experiments
• Familiarity with project management techniques and Six Sigma Greenbelt tools.
• Knowledge and experience with ERP systems, specifically SAP. Experience with Product Life preferred.