What are the responsibilities and job description for the RESEARCH SCIENTIST position at Kent Shared Services (Kent Corporation)?
Are you looking for an opportunity to grow with a US Best Managed Company? Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), a member of the KENT® Corporation family of companies, has an exciting new opportunity to join their team as a Research Scientist in the Creative Solutions Department!
As a leading manufacturer of pure alcohol, maltodextrins, starches, as well as co-products for the animal nutrition industry, this hands-on role is responsible for driving the development of new products and providing operational support to GPC. The position spans lab, pilot plant, and production settings, participating in all phases of development, including experimental design, experimentation, and evaluation. A general understand of food chemistry and relevant processing equipment is essential to the success of this role. The ideal candidate has a background in process engineering and/or food science, emphasizing flexibility, organizational abilities, and effective communication. Familiarity with chickpeas and soybeans is a major plus!
- This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, IA.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Establish a deep knowledge of chickpea and corn processing techniques to assist in development of new products, as well as supporting the operations of existing products.
- Assist in preparation and implementation of bench, pilot, and production plant trials.
- Support new product development through design and execution of experiments.
- Provide characterization of new and existing products through laboratory testing and utilization of outside labs.
- Record data and observations in an electronic lab notebook and analyze data using basic statistical methods.
- Interpret data to provide conclusions and recommendations for product development, problem solving, and continuous product improvement.
- Work with cross-functional team to complete projects.
EDUCATION:
- Master's degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Food Science, Grain Science, or other related discipline.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:
- 3-10 years of experience is required, with experience in laboratory and food processing settings at a university and/or food industry environment preferred
- Experience conducting experiments to include experimental design, lab work, and statistical analysis
- Engineering background and/or experience is a definite plus
- Strong background in general, organic, and carbohydrate chemistry
- Fundamental knowledge of macronutrient characteristics
- Understanding of food ingredient interactions
- Excellent problem-solving skills and capable of working both independently and in a collaborative setting
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills
- Attention to detail and effective time management skills to meet deadlines
- Positive attitude and motivation to pursue technical challenges
LOCATION & TRAVEL
- This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, Iowa.
- Limited travel may be required (trade shows and career fairs)
