Food Scientist

Food Scientist

Description: The Food Scientist is responsible for applying scientific principles as well as providing technical expertise to cross functional teams, to develop innovative products from concept phase through successful commercialization.

Department: R&D

Reports to: Sr. Innovation Manager

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Microbiology or related fields.
• 2-3 years of experience in Food Manufacturing

Work Hours:

40-45 hours per week (Monday - Friday):

Office Standard Hours: Between 7:00am - 5:00pm

**May require occasional off shift hours for performing trials and product start-ups**

Work Environment: This job will utilize the R&D Lab in an office environment to create bench samples/formulations/documentation, while trials and new product start-ups are produced on the production floor. Food Scientists are expected to spend equal parts in the office as well as the production floor.

Core Responsibilities: Lead the development of new products as well as product improvements working alongside customers and cross functional teams. Develop and maintain accurate records related to products such as formula's, production processes, ingredient documentation and nutritional data.

Research & Development

• Coordinate and execute plant trials and prepare results for review.

• Collect and maintain analytical and process settings for all R&D products.
• Create product formulas and customer product specification sheets as it pertains to the finished product.
• Perform packaging trials for foil film pillow pouches, cases, cartons and displays to ensure proper product to packaging fill.
• Designs and conduct shelf-life studies, including product and package performance under various conditions and makes recommendations for appropriate adjustment in product and/or package development.
• Collaborate with Quality to develop testing parameters for product specifications.
• Review production/quality paperwork for all skus to ensure accuracy of formula, vendors, specifications etc.

Regulatory

• Collect ingredient documentation for new and existing vendors.
• Create nutritional panels and ingredients statements through Genesis Software.
• Review all film proofs to verify NFP's, Ingredient Statements and Claims are accurate.
• Complete questionnaires, specification sheets, etc. per customer request.
• Maintain ingredients and finished product addition to GFCO and Kosher Certifications.

Customer Relations

• Assist customers in answering questions pertaining to their products and the manufacturing process.
• Collect and ship out customer requested samples as requested.
• Provide customers with updated IP program certificates regarding their products.

Continuous Improvement

• Complete and/or assist in special projects around the facility as needed to aid in the continuous improvement of the production process, finished products, warehouse handling and storage, purchasing, etc.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift 30 pounds and work on their feet, while using tools to perform repetitive actions

Competencies:

• Strong Project Management Skills
• Ability to successfully handle multiple tasks at one time and meet deadlines
• Strong Formulation and Mathematical Skills
• Understanding of FDA nutrition and product compliance
• Comprehensive Sensory Testing's Requirements
• Comprehensive in practices, procedures and techniques involved in food manufacturing
• Has interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Comprehensive in advanced mathematic calculations
• Oral and written communication skills
• Comprehensive in record-keeping procedures
• Effective communication in English language

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change any time with or without notice. Additional duties may be required by management that are not included on this list.