This Scientist role focuses on leading and executing product development projects, from designing and conducting experiments to communicating results. The position involves formula calculation, sample batch production, plant trials, and cross-functional communication with various departments. It suits a technically competent individual capable of managing multiple projects with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities
Manage multiple projects and show technical competence in the planning and completion of assigned projects leading to the development and implementation into production of new or revised products with minimal supervision
Record, collate, evaluate, and interpret experimental data and make appropriate recommendations to all levels in the organization through written or oral reports
Maintain an accurate laboratory notebook of all intellectual property
Prepare and conduct meeting updates, product cuttings, presentations, shelf-life testing and cost analysis to project team members
Independently organize and conduct in-person plant trials
Effectively organize R&D lab and R&D plant areas including cleaning equipment, inventory and stocking of supplies, ingredients and finished products
Participate and support QA team in yearly SQF certification including internal audits and paperwork compliance
Provide necessary technical support to vendors, customers and operations when problems occur with products
Provide support to method development in on-site benchtop and nutritional labs
Set up and operate standard lab equipment/techniques of moderate complexity
Conduct innovation work sessions and develop new products in the lab
Facilitate lab, pilot plant or plant test runs
Supervise technicians, plant personnel and/or interns in the execution of experiments, plant test runs and product commissioning when appropriate
Independently carry out assignments and review data for accuracy and trends and communicate any concerns
Interact directly and effectively with the Marketing team to successfully launch new products and achieve cross-functional strategic project goals
Effectively interact with cross-function project teams internal and external through written and oral communications and maintain current understanding of overall project status
Collaborate with colleagues to make significant individual contributions to deliver goals and execute project plans
Requirements
Strong problem-solving skills
Basic understanding of cat and dog nutrition
Ability to formulate, use standard lab equipment and conduct experimental procedures
Ability to perform standardized and routine assignments involving a sequence of related operations with minimal supervision
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Computer skills with proficiency to construct moderately complex graphs and charts, record formulas, design presentations and evaluate statistical analysis modules
Excellent project management and organizational skills, attention to detail, and capacity to multitask efficiently
Formulation of pet foods using a program such as C5, BestMix, or equivalent
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work in a team and adapt to dynamic work environment
Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
Responds well to changing priorities and quick turnaround projects
Physically capable of handling or transporting goods (up to 40 lbs)
Must be able to withstand occasional cold temperatures (40° F)
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Animal Science or equivalent technical qualifications
Minimum 2 years of experience in the pet food industry
Strong technical knowledge in meat and poultry science, meat microbiology, and pet food product development
General laboratory experience
Prior R&D project management experience
Nice to have:
Advanced knowledge of AAFCO and FEDIAF regulations
Master's degree
Important Details
Travel: 0-50% of the time, dependent on project and development location, including Arkansas and Texas
Schedule: May require travel to training programs, test runs, co-packers, ingredient or equipment vendors, and/or other suppliers and testing facilities at odd hours
About the Company
The R&D Director will serve as back-up to this position.
