Research Scientist, Ingredient Technology Development

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

The Global Science and Technology Team is responsible for scouting and developing new technologies for ingredients, products, and processes from upstream research through validation at the commercial scale. The Research Scientist will be responsible for developing new ingredient technologies across a variety of product portfolios with a focus on Better-For-You (BFY). The role is located on-site at Hersheys Technical Center and reports to the Sr. Manager, Ingredient Technology Development.

The Research Scientist will create and execute workplans to develop ingredient technologies in the laboratory and evaluate leading prototypes on the pilot scale. A medium level of autonomy is required, with mentorship by senior staff for more complex initiatives. A successful candidate will gain and apply technical expertise from colleagues, cross-functional partners, and their own independent research. The Scientist will share conclusions with the technical community through presentations and reports, both oral and written. The role also requires project management skills, including presentation of business cases, risks, and business impacts to senior management throughout each project. A successful candidate will apply critical thinking skills and attention to detail in order to tackle difficult problems with emerging ingredient technologies.

Specific Role Focus Area:
Leverage knowledge and experience to develop ingredient technologies as a toolset for new product development.
Design experimental strategies and identify appropriate methodologies.
Solve problems through application of knowledge and creative thinking.
Deliver project goals and timelines through skillful project management and organization.
Observe, record, and evaluate experimental data to draw impactful conclusions.
Transfer knowledge through project reports and presentations.
Establish relationships and communicate effectively with ingredient supplier representatives.
Provide clear instructions for support staff in the lab and pilot plant.

This role will interact and partner with:
Technical and professional employees within Global R&D
Manufacturing, Operations, and Plant Quality Assurance
Quality and Regulatory Compliance
Procurement
Marketing
Engineering
External Vendors

This role will require 15-20% travel including potential international travel.

Summary of major duties:
Research Leadership
Design and execute experimental plans for developing new ingredient technologies to address anticipated future business needs.
Test ideas through lab-scale experimentation including DOE; collect and analyze data using analytical process tools to provide recommendations.
Create pilot plant test plans to enable optimization of ingredients and associated process technologies on the intermediate scale.
Operate and direct the operation of lab or pilot plant equipment in the execution of these experiments; collect and submit samples for analysis.
Partner with the Process Technology R&D team to validate new ingredient technologies on the commercial scale at Hershey or Co-Man facilities.
Project Management
Seek business alignment for assigned projects through the Technical Resource Review (TRR) process.
Partner with the Characterization team to develop and execute characterization methods to enable deeper understanding and appropriate metrics for technical projects.
Bring technical rigor to troubleshoot technical issues and determine next steps through problem solving.
Collaborate with cross-functional groups to ideate, develop solutions, and implement new technologies.
Secure resources for lab and pilot plant work.
Research Analysis and Documentation
Record experimental data in Hersheys ELN system.
Analyze data and provide conclusions from lab, pilot, and commercial-scale experimentation using appropriate statistical tools.
Prepare all project reports as required; create and deliver presentations for significant results to drive business decisions.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties and responsibilities:

Food Science or Food Engineering is desirable. The candidate will have knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), analytical techniques, confectionary or snacks technologies, and the Scientific Method. Candidates should be comfortable operating laboratory equipment and open to learning how to work with pilot plant and plant equipment. Excellent math, statistics, and computer skills are required. Candidate must be comfortable presenting to peers, management, and senior management (VP).

Sound technical knowledge, capable of learning and applying knowledge to research projects following the Scientific Method.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including comfort with presenting to peers, management, and senior management (VP).
Proven problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Leadership of ingredient, product, and process development and innovation.
Operation of pilot plant and lab equipment, adhering to safety, GMP, and documentation requirements.
Strong project management and organizational skills; demonstrated success in leading multiple and simultaneous projects.
Proficient computer skills (basic knowledge of Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
Ability to work in both a team environment and independently, maintaining flexibility under changing priorities.
Strong mathematical skills and functional knowledge of statistics.
Experience in leading cross-functional research and/or product development projects.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Education and Experience: Minimum of BS degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.

2-5 years relevant experience or advanced degree with internship experience. Research, ingredient technology development, and/or product development experience preferred.

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