Pet R&D Product Development Senior Scientist, Upstream Innovation

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Job description

TITLE

Pet R&D Product Development Senior Scientist, Upstream Innovation

LOCATION

Orrville, Ohio

REPORTS TO

Senior Manager, Research & Development

POSITION SUMMARY

The R&D Sr Scientist in Upstream Innovation Product Development is responsible for identifying, assessing, and developing technologies and technology platforms that deliver solutions against the identified unmet consumer needs and business priorities. He/she will have one or more defined areas of technical focus and will lead technical model development for these areas as well as IP strategy. The Sr Scientist will be assigned to work on critical business and technical challenges and will initiate and lead technology and capability advances in these areas. He/she will provide expertise and technical know-how to other Product Development teams as well as counsel leadership on science and development in areas of expertise and/or technical focus.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Initiate and lead formulation development of new technologies and product innovation that delivers against the consumer need and design criteria.
* Develop and run (in partnership with Process Lab/Pilot Plant/Plant) experimental designs to test hypotheses in the areas of sensory/palatability, stability, and other key technical project deliverables. Develop technical models to explain, predict, and/or showcase technology/innovation.
* Communicate results, key learnings, and recommendations. Author or contribute to technical proposals, summaries, presentations, and project reports. Maintain technical documentation (eg laboratory notebooks and invention records).
* Lead project or functional teams, as needed to proactively meet project needs/timing.
* Keep abreast of new ingredients and technologies as well as patent art in and beyond the existing category. Identify, assess, and recommend for consideration where appropriate
* Act as an expert resource - consulting and training colleagues in areas of technical expertise and/or create new/better ways to achieve project objectives or improve capability

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education

* BS degree or higher in Science (e.g., Food Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Packaging, Nutrition), Technology (e.g., Engineering Technology), or Engineering (Chemical, Food, Biomedical, etc.)
* An advanced degree (Masters or PhD) is preferred.

Experience

* A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in Research & Development is required
* Pet Food and/or Snacks formulation and product development experience is highly desired
* Experience with food processes, e.g. extrusion, thermal processing, or baking is a plus.
* Experience with commercial formulation software such as Concept 5 a plus

Other

* Recognized expert in a technology area and track record of using this knowledge to deliver innovation
* Strong critical thinking and creativity skills.
* Effective presentation, verbal and written communication skills.
* Up to 20% Travel required
* Must be willing/able to drive a company or rental vehicle as needed