Associate R&D Chemist If you love the idea of turning curiosity into innovation and transforming raw materials into real-world solutions, this role is going to be your new playground. We're looking for an R&D Chemist who's ready to dive into product development, fine-tune formulas, match competitive products, and help shape the next generation of solutions in our industry. General Description of DutiesThe R&D Chemist analyzes, develops, and improves existing and new products using existing and new raw materials and requires little to no supervision doing this work. Matches products supplied by customers and internal personnel from competitors. Calculates costing on all products developed. Directs the evaluation and testing of prototypes. May have some supervisory responsibility directing the work of Assistant and Associate R&D Chemists and technicians. Maintains contacts with Quality Control, Production, inter-company lab personnel, and Sales. Begins having some customer contact as well. This individual must maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in ways that foster good relationships with those inside and outside the company.
Essential Job Functions:
Must demonstrate superior product development creativity.
Develop and/or improve new and existing products including juice concentrates and flavors, based on defined customer or in-house requirements.
Must taste all products developed.
Begin to determine feasibility of certain projects based on company limitations.
Perform costing analysis on all work performed.
Create master formulas and compounding instructions as needed.
Prepare product specification sheets for submission to customers.
Begin to contact customers to determine their requirements with regard to product development.
Develop products that meet or exceed customer applications.
Begin to provide technical assistance to customers and brokers.
Perform shelf-life studies and stability testing of products to ensure they meet our claims.
Organize and establish guidelines, procedures and policies for handling all outgoing samples.
Assist QC and Production in first-time production of all new products.
Assume responsibility for all sample request inquiries in the absence of the R&D Manager.
Regular, punctual attendance.
Other duties and projects as required or assigned.
Requirements:
B.S. in Food Science or related science discipline.
Minimum 4 years of experience as an R&D Chemist.
Must demonstrate excellent taste and aroma sense acuity.
Proficient in verbal and written English.
Some supervisory experience and/or training.
Must have visual acuity to evaluate sample appearance and use lab instruments.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds occasionally.
Must report to any company facility according to company need, sometimes with same-day notice.
