Research And Development: Food Scientist I

Owned by 250+ family farms, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is a food and beverage company that has offered innovative, award-winning, high-quality dairy products since 1965. Our progressive cooperative’s success is based on a commitment to quality in everything we do that extends to every stage of operations, from our farms to the consumer. Our product offerings include milk, flavored milk, yogurt, dip, sour cream, cottage cheese, Italian cheese, and ice cream mix marketed under the Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk® brands.

Job Summary:

The Food Scientist I functions as the R&D Lead on New Product Development, and Technical Services projects.

Leads the completion of Product Development, and Technical Service Projects from concept through implementation.  Manages Projects of moderate complexity with some over-site. Studies methods to improve the quality of food; such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, ingredient functionality, convenience, physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of products.  Work involves multiple product formats targeted to a diverse customer base, including pediatric, nutritional, protein, recreational drinks, etc. Project work will focus on the Company’s Cultured Products Portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Applies scientific principles in research, development, production technology, packaging, processing and utilization of ingredients to develop and commercialize new food products, and to improve existing products.
• Understands and interprets concepts and ideas accurately according to customer requirements and Company manufacturing capabilities; including design of new/improved formulations, testing schedules, prototype development, and verification of final prototype performance in manufacturing.
• Coordinates trial productions with the production plant, runs tests, prepares and sends samples of new/improved products within the organization and customers.
• Designs and conducts shelf-life studies, including product and package performance under various conditions and makes recommendations for appropriate adjustments in product and/or package
• Develops QA specifications and technical information for customers
• May be assigned various customer accounts and projects
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Experience & Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related field. Master’s Degree preferred
• Minimum of 1 - 2 years' experience preforming new product development and creating formulas in the food industry, preferably in dairy.

Knowledge & Skills - Required:

• Thorough knowledge of ingredient functionality
• Knowledge of Food Safety principles and systems
• Working knowledge of regulatory procedures and requirements including FDA, USDA, etc.

Confidentiality:

• The  Food Scientist I (Cultured Products) is exposed to confidential customer and product information on a consistent basis. A high degree of discretion is required.

 Management Responsibility:

• This position is an individual contributor and will not require direct supervision of personnel

Work Environment:

• The physical demand/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this positions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Pay:

$58,600-76,200

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.