Research And Development Scientist

Summary: The Research & Development Scientist will assist in innovation efforts across the company by collaborating with cross functional leadership including division sales executives, sales leaders, marketing, and quality assurance to develop new products/flavors and enhance existing ones to meet company objectives. Responsible for development of new products through all phases of creation while staying within specified parameters of cost and label claims. May interact with customers and external R&D teams and must be able to clearly present and articulate product ideas. This position requires some overnight travel as needed.

Essential job functions:

1. Assist in the development of new products as well as product improvements according to business needs.
2. Oversee and lead multiple R&D projects simultaneously, ensuring accurate and timely completion of requests and projects. Identify and test new products, flavors, processes, ingredients, and technologies.
3. Support manufacturing plant operations in process improvements and problem troubleshooting.
4. Manage the sample request process. Develop and produce sample products for review.
5. Maintain documentation, clear and concise lab notebooks, and provide reports.
6. Remain on the forefront of beverage trends and food science to suggest and create innovative products for the company.
7. Create food and beverage recipes from the company’s product portfolio.
8. Provide technical and scientific input for manufacturing including developing testing parameters for QA, product specification sheets, and shelf-life monitoring and evaluations.
9. Apply technical knowledge and establish credibility with highly technical audiences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

1. Knowledge of lab testing skills, methods, and equipment.
2. Basic understanding of flavors and functionality of flavors.
3. Basic understanding of ingredients and functionality of those ingredients in a finished product.
4. Basic nutritional knowledge and understanding of labeling etc. of food products.
5. Strong formulation skills.
6. Strong project management skills.
7. Detail oriented and quick learner.
8. Ability to work cross functionally.
9. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
10. Excellent math skills.
11. Proficient skill with personal computer and job-related software including Microsoft Office products.
12. Ability to successfully handle multiple tasks at one time and meet deadlines.
13. Ability to work independently and with a team.
14. Knowledge and understanding of basic Food Safety and FDA and regulatory requirements.

Education and Experience Required: Minimum of bachelor’s degree in food science and 3-5 years’ experience in R&D, Flavor Development, food manufacturing/quality assurance with dairy/beverage and/or coffee/tea experience preferred.