Research And Development Scientist

SUMMARY:

The R&D scientist will have the opportunity to use knowledge and experience to conduct research in pet wet food. As a part of the R&D team, the R&D scientist will develop strategies to improve existing products and processing, participate in the formulation and development of new products, participate actively in projects to face supply chain issues, and participate in cross-functional projects with other areas of the company. Additionally, the R&D scientist will be involved in projects for qualification of raw materials, label compliance, product and ingredient testing, databases, analytical data, among others. The right candidate for this position should be motivated to learn, have critical thinking, be solution-focused, and be a teamwork player.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Follows and supports all Company Safety policies and procedures
• Responsible for formulation and development of new products
• Re-engineer existing products
• Ensure that product aesthetics and other physical attributes are consistent with our customer’s expectations.
• Ensure label compliance to AAFCO standards
• Define and ensure all critical factors for ingredients and processing.
• Ensure that technology transfer into procurement, manufacturing, quality, engineering, and warehousing are well communicated before product commissioning.
• Ensure feeding studies are completed and meet and/or exceed the benchmark.
• Participate in the design and execution of trials to improve existing products or new products.
• Participate in the reviewing of new and existing labels to comply with the regulations.
• Provide support during critical issues and product performance investigations.
• Provide support to the management of a root cause analysis of a non-conformance material.
• Maintains established housekeeping standards for the responsible area.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

none

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• BS degree in pet food, animal sciences, food sciences, or related field.
• Prior pet food R&D experience is highly desirable and preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of pet food nutrition and pet food regulations.
• Strong knowledge of raw materials and ingredients functionality.
• Ability to work in teams.
• Knowledge of retorting is a plus but not required.
• Ability to evaluate research data and draw reasonable conclusions and initiate next steps.

Computer and Technology Skills:

The successful candidate will be proficient in MS Office applications and has experience in Concept 5, Best Mix, or any other formulation software. SAP experience is a plus but not required.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization. German language speaking skills is another advantage.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Allergen Awareness

Products produced in this facility may contain the following allergens: Egg, Shellfish, Fish, Gluten.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.