Food Scientist II - R&D

About This Role

Lead product development projects from concept to commercialization within the Extracts & Multiserve Bottle R&D Team. Apply scientific principles to develop and improve coffee and multiserve bottle products while interacting with multi-disciplinary groups and directly with customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects from proof of concept through commercial validation and lifecycle management
• Formula development from concept to commercialization
• Troubleshoot and commercialize customer-provided formulas
• Initiate innovation and research for current and future product categories
• Provide technical support for operations and customer requests
• Direct customer interaction including communication, visits, and demos
• Apply scientific principles in research, development, production technology, packaging, processing, and ingredient functionality
• Understand and interpret concepts and ideas accurately according to customer requirements and Company manufacturing capabilities
• Evaluate multiple technical options and provide best option solutions to the business
• Coordinate trial productions with operations, run testing protocols, prepare and send samples to internal and external customers for evaluation
• Design and conduct shelf-life studies, including product and package performance under various conditions
• Develop and maintain accurate records related to products such as formulas, production process, HACCP, product specification, nutritional data, shelf life
• Provide technical support to customers seeking product information and advice
• Provide technical support to Operations, Quality, Global Sourcing, and customers on new and existing products
• Develop and conduct basic sensory testing for discrimination or descriptive analysis
• Mentor less experienced Team Members

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Food Science or related field
• 3-5 years in a coffee-specific development role (green blends, roasting, extraction, concentration, application of extracts/flavors)
• 3-5 years performing product development and technical services in the food industry
• Knowledge of thermal processing (HTST, ESL, Aseptic, heat penetration studies, temperature distributions)
• Hands-on experience running laboratory and pilot plant equipment
• Strong understanding of food science principles, analytical skills, and problem solving
• Knowledge of ingredient functionality
• Adept sensory skills and knowledge of sensory evaluation techniques
• Experience with nutritional data generation and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of Food Safety Principles and systems including HACCP and Low Acid Canned Foods
• Strong record-keeping skills, general project management, and attention to detail

Qualifications

• Master Degree in Food Science or similar
• At least 3-5 years in a coffee-specific development role and 3-5 years performing product development and technical services in the food industry

Nice to Have

• CQI/SCA Q-Grader highly preferred

Skills

* Required skills