Food Scientist 1 - Research and Development

Job Summary: Works at the lab bench, utilizing knowledge of food ingredients, food science, and consumer marketing insights to identify and develop new almond products and formulas to meet customer and business unit product strategies. Then scales up lab prototypes, through pilot plant production, and full commercialization. Further, the Food Scientist conducts shelf life, sensory, product performance, and quality attribute testing of products as part of the development process, culminating in all new product technical information including production specifications. The Food Scientist also actively participates in innovation activities and contribute to the development of new product strategies and ideas. Job Description: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Works at the lab bench utilizing knowledge of food ingredients, food science, and consumer marketing insights to identify and develop new almond products and formulas to meet customer and business unit product strategies and requirements. Organizes and manages new products ideas and concepts from lab prototype samples through pilot plant production and full commercialization. Develops the processing and technical requirements needed for scale up. Coordinate first production run product evaluations and approvals. Actively participates in innovation activities and contributes to the development of new product strategies and ideas. Identifies and recommends new applicable technologies to management. Manages product development technical relationship with internal and external customers. Assumes the role of an innovator and project leader demonstrating initiative, creativity, and thoroughness in the execution of complex projects. Conduct shelf life, sensory, product performance, and quality attribute testing of products as part of the development process. Generates new product technical information including production specifications. Sources new food ingredients. Develop and document new food ingredient specifications. Assists Regulatory with development of nutrition facts, allergen labeling and ingredient declaration. Provides ongoing technical support to Marketing and Sales for new product introductions; prepares product sales samples. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering 2 years of food and beverage product development experience in a food manufacturing environment Required to occasionally travel to outside production facilities. Sound working knowledge of food science principles, GMP, HACCP, food safety, sanitary practices and regulations. Ability to utilize Word and Excel computer software. Knowledge of Genesis, SAP PLM, and SharePoint software a plus. Hands on lab bench experience developing food products. Experience operating typical laboratory food processing equipment and instruments used in product development, with high level of quality, accuracy and quantity of analysis work. Experience working with cross functional business teams to develop and commercialize new food/beverage products. PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES Practice in New Product Development, commercial food processing, agricultural products, project management, quality management, regulatory affairs, technical report writing, and ingredient sourcing are all plusses but not mandatory. Familiarity with FDA labeling regulations. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES N/A PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Occasionally required to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. WORK ENVIRONMENT Primarily a mix of laboratory and office environments. At times hands on work in a food development laboratory and manufacturing environment may be required. The incumbent must to be able to climb stairs/ladders and occasionally conduct work on elevated platforms. Blue Diamond Growers is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability Education: Bachelors (Required) Other Job Details: Work Shift: Day Pay Type: Salary Hourly Rate (if applicable): N/A Grow your career. Partner with us. We Are the Almond People! Blue Diamond Growers (BDG) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. BDG provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information. BDG also complies with all provisions of the U.S. Government's Executive Order 11246 dated September 24, 1965 and the rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.