The Food Scientist is a member of the Research & Development (R&D) team. This position supports team initiatives by managing R&D-owned activities in the new product development process, including managing documentation, sample production, and supporting projects in the lab and on the plant floor. This role also provides technical support cross-functionally within the organization on a variety of project types including productivity, process improvement, food quality and safety initiatives, and interfaces with customers as the face and voice of R&D.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage all batch sheets, including formulas and processes
• Develop new products from concept to commercialization, including ingredient sourcing, formula development, and product scale up.
• Conduct nutritional analysis and support label development
• Plan, lead, and execute line trials for private label and branded customers
• Support product start-ups
• Use technical expertise to improve and/or reformulate existing products, processes, or ingredients.
• Support development and maintenance of R&D-owned documentation used throughout the facility, such as batch sheets and finished goods specifications.
• Accurately record, analyze, and report data to meet project objectives
• Build strong cross-functional relationships within the organization and with customers to ensure all interests are represented.
• Utilize Sensory Protocols and testing methods as part of packaging and supplier approval process. Maintain R&D lab using inventory systems to pull materials from on-site warehouse.
• Support sourcing and onboarding new vendors and ingredients through Trace Gains software
• Support the creation and management of finished product specifications in Salesforce software
• Maintain R&D lab using inventory systems to pull materials from on-site warehouse
• Produce benchtop samples from existing formulas. This involves managing incoming sample requests and following formulas and processes to create products for customer visits, sales samples,
• Coordinate and support shelf-life studies, including sample preparation, meeting management, and record-keeping of team feedback
• Provide support to teammates and customers during benchtop development, plant trials, and new product start-ups

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Food Science or related, and at least 4 years of experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail, organization and excellent record-keeping skills
• Ability to balance multiple projects and tasks with competing timelines. The ability to reprioritize quickly is essential.
• Patience, humility, and a desire to collaborate and solve problems

The position can be located at either Mt Juliet, TN or Portland, OR facility