Nestle Purina is actively seeking a skilled and dynamic specialist in microbiome research excited about building, conducting and managing microbiome and nutrition research activities to develop nutritional innovations that support pet health and wellness. Demonstrating strong scientific insight and excellent communication skills, this specialist will be managing research projects focusing on diet-microbiota interaction and modulation of microbial ecology relevant for pet health.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Propose, develop and implement new ideas/activities/projects to strengthen scientific knowledge on how the diet-microbiome interaction and changes in microbial composition and function influence companion animal life in healthy and disease conditions
Propose, plan and deliver strategies and test preclinically and clinically innovative nutritional solutions that influence microbial ecology to improve pet health
Collaborate with external and internal experts applying and integrating a variety of experimental, computational and statistical methods to study pet microbiome populations
Integrate metabolomics, transcriptomics and other clinical information with microbiome data to develop and test nutrition-research hypotheses
Integrate scientific knowledge with an understanding of the business reality and needs that consequently will impact the business Innovation & Renovation pipelines in this field
Present results/methods in written and oral form to internal and external stakeholders.
Explore patentable possibilities and align with regulatory requirements.
Maintain a strong external expert and scientific network representing Purina Research as a strong and credible scientific partner.
Travel as necessary
Practice safety in the work area
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Keep current in field and maintain a high level of expertise
Assist project leaders in interpretation of microbiome data: associations between microbes and metabolic parameters, strategy to predictably modify microbial populations with metrics that demonstrate effects on health parameters.
Stay current on progress in methodology in the field
Additional duties as assigned
Actively acts as a consulting expert within Nestlé Purina in area of technical expertise
Proven ability and willingness to mentor and guide the less experienced technical staff
SUPERVISION GIVEN AND RECEIVED:
Mentoring and guidance as required for assigned projects
Supervision required should be minimal
JOB QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience, and Knowledge):
PhD in microbiology, microbial ecology or related field.
6+ years' professional experience
Previous experience with research in industry environment is considered a strong advantage
Proven capacity to design, implement and lead scientific projects from early research discovery to end points
Nutrition knowledge and previous research record in the area of diet-microbiome interaction
Ability to work with internal/external customers to assess needs, aid, and resolve problems, using excellent problem-solving skills and verbal/written communication to non-technical audiences.
Strong organizational, communication and project management skills.
Must be highly-motivated, independent and able to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
The Nestlé Companies are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.