Contractor Research Scientist

Job Title: Contractor Research Scientist, Chocolate Product Development

Duration: 6 months (possibility of extension up to 12 months)

Location: Onsite at Hershey, PA

Shift Timings: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm EST

Main Duties:

The Contractor Scientist within the Chocolate Product Development R D Team is responsible for assisting other scientists on high complexity initiatives, leading workstreams within larger initiatives, and/or leading low complexity initiatives with support. A low to medium level of autonomy is required, depending upon the workstream. He/she is responsible for maintaining compliance on all GMPs and all food and people safety protocols in the lab and pilot plant. Work may be performed independently or under minimal supervision and routinely involves repetitive tasks on a daily or weekly basis. The Scientist will be expected to assist the assignment leader in preparation and execution of a large production run in the Technical Center Pilot Plant via equipment testing, creation of protocols, process monitoring, and regular documentation. Scientist will also be responsible for learning to operate and maintain different pieces of R D equipment and documenting procedures for set-up, operation, and cleaning. A successful candidate is learning how to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge while developing and sharing technical expertise within functional areas and cross functionally within the organization. The Contractor Scientist must participate in trainings to develop knowledge and skills required to work in the Client's manufacturing plants. A successful candidate will be able to take on alternative responsibilities as required during the duration of the assignment based on evolving priorities.

Specifically during the production run, the Contractor Scientist will be expected to:

Assist in the creation of employee schedules and provide coverage of breaks to maintain adequate staffing levels and complete production goals.

Ensure team members are following good manufacturing practices (GMP) and are wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

Maintain accurate records of production activities including but not limited to equipment performance, product yields, downtime, and waste.

Identify issues that may affect product quality or consistency and communicate these issues to the R D project leader and/or other cross-functional project leaders.

Complete special projects as assigned with the ability to perform essential duties and responsibilities with efficiency and accuracy.

Complete all reports/paperwork in a timely manner.

Typical Day:

60% Partnering with project leaders to prepare for and perform large-scale production run, monitoring production. process through written documentation, and orally communicating production progress.

30% Assisting with production run scheduling and coverage to meet production goals.

10% Other administrative tasks, and training (online and hands on).

Top Three Technical Skills:

1. 40% ability to prepare and execute large-scale production run on food equipment in labs and pilot plant

2. 30% ability to maintain accurate written documentation and orally communicate potential issues related to product quality and consistency

3. 30% ability to collaborate with partners on a cross functional team.

Must Haves/ Recessions (i.e. years of experience?)

BS in Science/Engineering related field is desirable

Strong ability to multitask and communicate effectively.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment potentially involving fluctuating temperatures and noise levels and full workdays standing on the production floor.

Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Experience working in a GMP environment, preferably food manufacturing is desired

Desire to work in the food industry and Hershey, PA area

Valid Driver's License with ability to travel for work between facilities in the Hershey, PA area

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

Ability to perform small-scale testing/scale up and accurately complete documentation to execute large-scale production run in the Technical Center Pilot Plant

Well-developed oral and written communication skills.

Ability to handle allergens including dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs, sesame and other food ingredient chemicals and allergens while wearing appropriate PPE.

Experience with basic Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Ability to effectively plan and execute multiple priorities while being flexible and adaptive to change.

General knowledge of food GMPs.

Applicant Notices & Disclaimers

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At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position's starting pay is: $38.80/hr.