Pet R&D Product Development Scientist at The J.M. Smucker Company in Akron, Ohio

Job Description:

TITLE

Pet R&D Product Development Scientist

LOCATION

Orrville, Ohio

REPORTS TO

Senior Manager, Research & Development

POSITION SUMMARY

The R&D Scientist is responsible for developing product designs and formulations that deliver solutions against the identified unmet consumer needs and business priorities. The incumbent will leverage technical expertise and scientific method thinking skills to bring together consumer needs and product possibilities to both winning, and creative innovation, as well as product improvement and maintenance. He/she will lead several RoadMap projects within Pet Snacks as well as capability projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initiate and lead formulation development of new technologies and product innovation that delivers against the consumer need and design criteria.


• Develop and run (in partnership with Process Lab/Pilot Plant/Plant) experimental designs to test hypotheses in the areas of sensory/palatability, stability, and other key technical project deliverables.


• Communicate results, key learnings, and recommendations. Author or contribute to technical proposals, summaries, presentations, and project reports. Maintain technical documentation (eg laboratory notebooks and invention records).


• Lead project or functional teams, as needed to proactively meet project needs/timing.


• Keep abreast of new ingredients and technologies as well as patent art in and beyond the existing category.


• Actively collaborate and partner with team members, both internal and external to R&D, to develop key tasks and project plans for timely completion of goals

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education

• BS degree or higher in Science (e.g., Food Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Packaging, Nutrition), Technology (e.g., Engineering Technology), or Engineering (Chemical, Food, Biomedical, etc.)

Experience

• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in Research & Development is required


• Pet Food and/or Snacks formulation and product development experience is highly desired


• Experience with food processes, e.g. extrusion, thermal processing, or baking is a plus.


• Experience with commercial formulation software such as Concept 5 a plus

Other

• Strong critical thinking and creativity skills.


• Ability to work independently, with guidance in only complex situations


• Collaboration ability to create and maintain productive relationships


• Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.


• Up to 20% Travel required


• Must be willing/able to drive a company or rental vehicle as needed