Research Scientist BFY Product Development

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

Reporting to the Sr. Manager in Better For You, Product Development and working at the Technical Center in Hershey, PA, the Research Scientist position is assisting on high complexity initiatives, leading workstreams within larger initiatives, and/or leading low complexity initiatives with support. A low to medium level of autonomy is required depending upon the workstream. A successful candidate is learning how to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge while developing and sharing technical expertise within functional area and cross functionally within the organization. This candidate is learning problem solving skills & the ability to think critically. This candidate is learning to communicate technical subject matter cross functionally and with management. This candidate is learning how to influence cross functional team members and how to build personal networks.

Specific Role Focus Area:
* Leveraging knowledge and experience to drive "Better For You" product innovation (Lily's, Zero Sugar, ONE, etc.) through benchtop prototyping, pilot plant scale-up, and production start-ups
* Lead new product development projects primarily, with product renovation projects as a secondary focus.
* Leading technical project management aspects of low complexity projects through the product development stage gate process
* Participating in product insights project design and methodology partnering with Sensory and Product Insights
* Problem solving through application of knowledge and creative thinking
* Ensuring project execution and technology transfer through developing trial and sample run protocols, executing protocols efficiently, and documenting appropriate data and observations
* Observing, recording, and evaluating experimental data to draw conclusions
* Preparing project reports and presentations for the product development stage gate process
* Providing instruction to Technical Support employees including full time Research Technicians/Assistants and temporary Contractors

This role will interact and partner with:
* Technical and professional employees within Global R&D (including Ingredient/Recipe Specialists, Sensory, and Packaging Innovation)
* Manufacturing, Operations and Plant Quality Assurance
* Quality and Regulatory Compliance (including Analytical and Micro)
* Procurement
* Marketing
* R&D Technology Development team
* Engineering (including Product Commercialization, and Plant)
* External Vendors (including Ingredient Vendors, Equipment Vendors, and Co-Manufactures)

This role will require up to 20% domestic travel.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

Food Science or Engineering training and experience is desirable. The candidate will ideally have knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), analytical techniques, chocolate, confectionary or snacks technologies, research methodology and experience in projects process. Candidates should be comfortable operating laboratory, pilot plant and plant equipment and possess excellent math and computer skills.

* Strong understanding of principles of food chemistry and ingredient functionality is desirable.
* Ability to conduct value analysis
* Ability to define scope of work
* Possess Operations/Manufacturing knowledge
* Familiarity with regulatory and standards compliance
* Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing
* Knowledge of chocolate and confectionery technology a plus
* Able to apply research methodology to product development projects
* Familiar with basic food science analytical techniques
* Familiar with the ingredient supplier landscape
* Familiar with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
* Ability to scale-up/plant test process
* Ability to collaborate across regions, departments, and all levels of the organization

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Education and Experience: Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Biology; MS with 0-2 years' experience or BS with 1-3 years' experience; experience includes internships and college laboratory research

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