[Hiring] Scientist/Associate Senior Scientist/Senior Scientist @Hormel Foods Family of Companies

Role Description

Under the general direction of the Senior Director of R&D, the Scientist/Associate Senior Scientist/Senior Scientist is responsible for leading all stages of product and process development. This individual should be a motivated self-starter and collaborative team player with an excellent understanding of the product development process. Ideal candidates will share a passion for innovative meat and food products and demonstrate a desire to pursue smarter ways of making food. The position requires exemplary project management skills with an ability to balance multiple initiatives at one time. This position should be an excellent communicator of Applegate’s vision; capable of positively representing the company, our products and our objectives in a variety of situations both internally and externally.

Essential Functions

• Independently lead Innovation, Renovation, & Business Continuity projects.
• Plan and lead pilot runs, plant trials, and production start-ups.
• Serve as R&D category/segment lead to Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Quality, Food Safety, and Manufacturing.
• Drive innovation by leveraging scientific research, industry developments, novel ingredient and packaging technologies.
• Plan and conduct sensory evaluations for new and existing products.
• Investigate formulation, processing, sensory, packaging, quality, and manufacturing challenges.
• Build relationships with and technically evaluate ingredient and packaging suppliers.
• Maintain accurate product, formulation, specification, experimental, sensory, shelf-life, plant-trial, regulatory, and supplier records.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable USDA and FDA requirements.
• Assist the Director of R&D with tracking and allocation of the R&D budget.
• Synthesize complex technical information into clear recommendations for stakeholders.
• Translate Applegate’s commitment to “Changing the Meat We Eat®” into products and processes.

Qualifications

• BS in Food Science, Meat Science, Food/Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 6+ years of progressive R&D or product development experience within CPG.
• Advanced understanding of food and/or meat science principles.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships and collaborate across teams.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability and willingness to evaluate beef, pork, chicken, and turkey products.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and relevant R&D systems and tools.

Requirements

• Travel as needed to support plant trials, production start-ups, trade shows, customer meetings, and other business needs.
• Demonstrates flexibility and initiative in taking on additional responsibilities.
• Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require sponsorship for a work visa.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage.
• Discretionary annual merit increases and bonuses.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Stock purchase plan.
• Paid time off.
• Free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees.