**Must have Dairy experience**

*Will look at new grads with internship or co-op experience

Job Summary

The R&D Scientist-Dairy Products is a new role in the Organization. You will be joining a fast-paced research & development team responsible for cost effective beverage innovation in both liquid and powdered Dairy Products. With limited supervision, you will lead product development projects from concept through commercialization. You will be responsible for developing and testing formulas and processes for new products, quality improvements and cost reductions. The role will be based either at our corporate headquarters in Houston, TX or at our Dairy Plant in Douglassville, PA

Major Job Functions

• Manage R&D Technician(s) on Product Development, Prototype Development, and Project Management
• Manage multiple Dairy projects and execute deliverables on time and within guidelines. (Creamers, Coffees, and Ice Creams)
• Design and run trials, organize tasting sessions with a cross-functional team, and draw conclusions and recommendations for next steps.
• Partner with other R&D, Quality Assurance, Operations, and Food Safety and Regulatory team members to ensure a robust, legal and well-rounded product design.
• Work alongside internal purchasing team and key suppliers to identify new raw materials with a strong supply chain.
• Collaborate with finance and operations teams to develop strategies and profit through innovation, renovation and/or margin improvement.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams and external partners to enhance core innovation strategy and execution and develop winning taste solutions.
• Actively involved in upkeep and organization of R&D lab(s).
• Work within the R&D policies and procedures to accomplish the above while also focused on perpetuating and building the team first and can-do culture that has been a key building block for success.
• Keep up with Dairy Innovations within the Industry

Required Skills/Abilities/Education

• 3+ years of experience in food-science/product-development with Master of Science in a related field.

OR

• 5+ years of experience in food-science/product-development with Bachelor of Science in related field.
• Ability to creatively problem-solve solutions when faced with product development challenges.
• Understanding of sensory evaluation techniques and how to apply them to the product development process.
• Demonstrated ability to propose and persuade new research direction to address company business needs.
• Ability to consider financial requirements throughout the development process.
• Demonstrated Self-starter that does not need to be micro-managed and is comfortable navigating ambiguity while also excelling when working in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills to efficiently correspond with senior level management.
• Proficient in computer skills