R&D Scientist
We are recruiting for an R&D Scientist at a shelf-stable dairy and beverage manufacturer. This is a new role for someone who wants to formulate milk and dairy-based beverages and cheese products and take them from benchtop prototype to commercial production.
You will work directly with customers and across Operations, Procurement, and Quality to run plant trials, build specs and labels, and support thermal processing.
What you'll do:
- Develop new products, optimize existing products, and adapt customer formulas
- Produce benchtop samples and evaluate them for shipment to customers
- Set up formulas and processes for plant trials and production
- Run pilot and production trials with Operations, Procurement, and Quality, including thermal process testing
- Create product specifications, ingredient statements, and Nutrition Facts panels that meet FDA and USDA requirements for shelf-stable products
- Support customers and sales with timely technical information
- Maintain the beverage lab and pilot plant, including inventory, equipment cleaning, and maintenance
- Assist with thermal processing studies in production retorts under the Process Authority
- Document formulas and product parameters to meet LACF requirements
What you need:
- B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field (Master's in Dairy Science preferred)
- Food product development and commercialization experience, 1+ years (more experience welcome)
- Solid understanding of emulsions, milk and whey proteins, food safety, and allergens
- Dairy or liquid beverage formulation experience is a plus
- Retort knowledge or experience desired
- Ability to discriminate flavors
- Strong project management skills and the ability to run multiple projects at once
- Excellent communication skills and comfort working directly with customers and sales
- Ability to operate lab and pilot equipment and support production trials in a 24/7 operation
- Strong in Microsoft Excel and web-based systems
Compensation: Depends on experience. Full medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).