Product Development Scientist

Job Title: Product Development Scientist

Department: Research and Development

Status: Fulltime Non-Exempt

Reports To: Senior Product Development Manager

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm

Innovative Plant-Based Solutions for Global Industries

Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions – including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems – for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support.

Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.

Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.

Disclaimer: Shank’s Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

Prepare flavor/food/beverage prototypes to showcase Universals portfolio & technologies in addition to managing and coordinating applications and associated technical support of diverse projects under supervision as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leverage internal and external resources to bring insight, expertise, and efficiency to project executions
• Effectively communicate technical information to a non-technical audience
• Ability to taste a variety of products and provide constructive feedback
• Coordinate raw material ordering with the purchasing department as well as Maintain raw materials inventory.
• Prepare accompanying documentation such as technical specifications and safety data sheets.
• Actively participate in technical/product development work sessions with clients.
• Maintain ongoing communications with salespeople and co-workers on projects.
• Complete sample requests in a timely manner.
• Utilize sensory evaluation techniques and applications.
• Follow appropriate safety and laboratory procedures.
• Maintain laboratory and equipment in a clean, orderly, and safe manner daily.
• Test applications to verify product reliability; and report to VP if adjustments are required.
• Use basic mathematical procedures to find percentages of ingredients and formulas.
• Prepare all technical and support documentation relevant to bench top and scale-up trials, manufacturing procedures, specifications, & SOP’s.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL/SKILLS NEEDED:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to read and interpret various formula sheets.
• Ability to use basic lab equipment such as scales, pipettes, pH meters, blenders, mixers, and hot plates/stirrers.
• Must be self-motivated, have a positive attitude, detail-oriented, and work well in a team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn new software systems quickly.
• Must be able to adapt to constant change in a positive manner.
• Capable of handling multiple projects in a limited time frame.
• Ability to understand and execute instructions in an efficient effective manner.
• Detail-oriented, reliable, and organized.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiar with food industry practices and procedures, and basic knowledge of GMP’s and HACCP.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in food science/science/science technology or equivalent required.
• 1-2 years of experience as a Food Technologist, Beverage experience preferred.
• ERP Experience preferred.
• Experience in a food manufacturing company preferred.
• Knowledge of food chemistry, processing microbiology and regulatory affairs preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires standing for an entire shift.
• Requires frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds.
• Requires pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, squatting, and lifting close to the body.
• Require frequent repetitive motion.
• Ability to work in a consistent area for an entire shift.
• Must be able to work in various indoor temperatures including elevated heat and humidity
• Exposure to elevated noise levels which occur below OSHA thresholds.
• Infrequent exposure to machine sanitation solutions and detergents.
• Requires frequent visual quality control observations which may include turning and bending of the neck and head area.
• Exposure to various odors throughout a work shift.
• Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment [PPE]
• Required to follow Good Manufacturing Practices [GMPs]
• Exposure to food allergens such as, but not limited to, milk eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans will occur.

Conduct, Quality, Integrity, and Culture

Conduct: We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers, and third parties.

Quality: Shank’s is committed to food safety and product quality. We employ extensive food safety programs and controls at all levels. Our quality standards and food safety procedures are thoroughly being evaluated internally and externally. We continuously strive to improve our performance.

Integrity: Shank’s and its employees will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, improper inducements for business or financial gain. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be protected.

Culture: Shank’s respects the cultural values of our employees, contractors, and customers. We also promote a balanced work-life environment. We recognize and celebrate our employees for their hard work and the contributions they make to our company.

Shanks Core Values:

ASPIRATION: Share a vision for achievement

ACCOUNTABILITY: Support company reputation

ADAPTABILITY: Evolve to meet business needs

***Competitive compensation and benefits package***

Shank’s Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients – Shank’s is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer.