Research Scientist

Position: Research Scientist

Location: Hershey, PA, 17033

Duration: 12 Months

Job Type: Temporary Assignment

Work Type: Onsite

Payrate: $ 30.00 - 35.00/hr.

Overview:

TekWissen is a global workforce management provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan that offers strategic talent solutions to our clients world-wide. Our client is an American multinational company and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. It also manufactures baked products, beverages and many more that are produced globally.

Role Overview

The Research Scientist (Contract) supports high-complexity initiatives, leads workstreams within broader projects, and independently manages low-complexity initiatives. The role requires a low to moderate level of autonomy depending on project scope.

This position focuses on developing technical expertise, strengthening problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and effectively communicating technical concepts across cross-functional teams. The candidate will progressively build influence, collaboration skills, and internal networks within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Leadership (90%)

• Lead product development projects focused on innovative chocolate products, including:
• Formulation development
• Ingredient development
• Product transformation interactions
• Execute product development across all stages:
• Bench-top prototyping
• Pilot plant trials
• Full-scale manufacturing
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams:
• R&D, Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, Quality, and Regulatory
• Assess and communicate the business and financial impact of projects
• Apply scientific principles and technical rigor in all development work
• Provide technical feasibility input for new product concepts
• Support supply chain initiatives to improve product quality and cost efficiency
• Lead ingredient shortage mitigation efforts to reduce business impact

2. Product & Process Improvement (10%)

• Support continuous improvement programs for product quality and manufacturing processes
• Contribute to cost optimization and process efficiency initiatives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role partners closely with:

• Marketing
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Quality & Regulatory
• Project Management
• Technology Development

Typical Day / Core Activities

• Developing and testing chocolate formulations
• Conducting analytical testing on samples
• Supporting pilot plant production runs
• Performing competitive product assessments (sourcing, benchmarking, analysis)

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Experience in product development, innovation, or process optimization
• Ability to learn and apply new technical knowledge in development and commercialization
• Understanding of process platforms and scaling methodologies
• Familiarity with multidisciplinary domains:
• Sensory science
• Engineering
• Packaging
• Research

Core Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Excellent troubleshooting capability
• Effective decision-making and administrative skills
• Business and financial acumen
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Adaptability and openness to change
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Food Process Engineering, Bioengineering or related field
• 2–4 years of relevant experience required
• Experience in chocolate production, product innovation, or CPG industry is a plus

Top Technical Skills

• Chocolate sample formulation and development
• Analytical testing techniques
• Pilot plant operation support
• Competitive product benchmarking and analysis

TekWissen® Group is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.