What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Scientist position at HireTalent?
Overview
This role leads end-to-end protein product innovation with minimal direction. You’ll guide technical strategy, drive new product development, and shape advanced protein science across the organization. The work spans breakthrough protein products, ingredient sourcing, modern processing methods, and major “Better For You” initiatives.
You’ll collaborate across R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing, Quality, Engineering, Legal, and external partners to solve complex challenges and bring new ideas to life.
Key Responsibilities
- Product, Process & Packaging Improvements
- Partner with Supply Chain to improve product quality, process efficiency, and packaging performance.
- Evaluate current BFY product lines and recommend improvements across formulas and ingredients.
- Lead technical work related to product relocation and complex ingredient sourcing projects.
- New Product Development (NPD)
- Lead high-impact scientific and technical projects from concept to commercialization.
- Determine technical pathways, establish project objectives, and guide execution.
- Drive breakthrough solutions in protein formulation where limited precedent exists.
- Initiate new projects independently and recommend continuation or termination as needed.
- Apply advanced problem-solving, testing, and experimentation to deliver results.
- Talent & Organizational Development
- Mentor and coach technical staff, fostering growth and expertise across the team.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Proven leadership in technical innovation: product development, quality improvement, cost optimization, and process validation.
- Deep expertise in protein formulation, recipe development, and processing platforms (slab/slit, extrusion, enrobing).
- Experience across the full innovation cycle—from early concepting to commercialization.
- Preferred background in Better For You formulation and ingredient functionality (protein, sugar replacement).
- Strong cross-disciplinary understanding: Sensory, Research, Engineering, Packaging.
- Ability to troubleshoot processing parameters and optimize ingredient-to-product transformations.
- Strategic influence skills with strong decision-making and business integration capability.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.
- Comfortable navigating change and working both independently and collaboratively.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% (primarily domestic; some international).
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical/Agricultural/Biological Engineering, or related field required.
- Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
Experience Requirements
- BS with 12 years, MS with 9–11 years, or PhD with 7–9 years of relevant experience.
- Background in Process Research, Product Development, Process Engineering, or Commercialization.
- Minimum 7 years in Food, Confectionery, Consumer Goods, or Pharmaceutical industries preferred.
- Experience leading the Product Development portion of multiple projects.
- Expert knowledge of ingredient interactions and process unit operations.
Job Type: Contract
Benefits:
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person