What are the responsibilities and job description for the ASSOCIATE APPLICATIONS SCIENTIST position at Grain Processing Corporation?
Join Grain Processing Corporation's Technical Solutions team as an Associate Applications Scientist and become part of the innovation behind ingredients used in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and personal care products sold around the world. In this role, you'll gain hands-on experience developing formulations, conducting laboratory testing, and evaluating ingredient performance while working alongside industry experts.
This role is ideal for a scientist who enjoys experimentation, problem-solving, and bringing ideas to life. You'll contribute to projects that support customer success, product innovation, and commercialization efforts while building valuable technical and industry experience. Along the way, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams, participate in customer-focused initiatives, and have the opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on the marketplace. If you're ready to launch your career in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where curiosity, learning, and innovation are valued, we'd love to meet you.
- This role is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, Iowa
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct laboratory experiments and application testing under the guidance of senior scientists to evaluate ingredient functionality and performance
- Prepare, develop, and optimize formulations utilizing GPC ingredients for food, nutraceutical, and personal care applications
- Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data to support technical recommendations, product evaluations, and customer projects
- Assist in assessing and refining new product concepts and prototypes throughout the product development process
- Utilize laboratory equipment, analytical methods, and sensory evaluation techniques to characterize ingredients and finished product performance
- Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, test records, data files, and project documentation in accordance with company procedures
- Follow established laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory requirements at all times
- Support technical teams in preparing application guides, technical reports, presentations, customer-facing materials, and product documentation
- Collaborate with scientists, commercial teams, operations, quality, regulatory, and other cross-functional partners to support business objectives
- Assist with customer visits, technical demonstrations, training sessions, trade shows, and industry events as needed
- Participate in troubleshooting activities and application development projects to help address customer needs
- Manage multiple assignments and priorities while meeting project timelines and deliverables
- Perform other duties as assigned
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, AND/OR SKILLS NEEDED
- Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science is required
- 0-3 years of relevant laboratory, research, product development, or application experience is needed
- Relevant internships or co-op assignments will be considered
- Experience working in a laboratory environment is necessary, including sample preparation, formulation work, data collection, and adherence to safe laboratory practices
- Exposure to food, nutraceutical, personal care, ingredient, or consumer product industries is a plus
- Basic understanding of chemistry, ingredient functionality, formulation principles, and scientific testing methods
- Ability to learn and apply technical knowledge in food, nutraceutical, and personal care applications
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with laboratory software, LIMS, ERP systems, or statistical software is beneficial but not required
WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL
- Primarily laboratory-based role with hands-on formulation, testing, and analytical activities in support of product development and technical solutions
- Collaborative environment working closely with scientists and cross-functional teams including Commercial, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory
- Requires adherence to laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory standards, with accurate documentation of experimental work and results
- Frequent exposure to laboratory equipment, ingredients, chemicals, moving mechanical parts, fumes, and airborne particles while following established safety procedures
- Occasional travel (~10-20%) may be necessary for customer visits, training, trade shows, and industry events