Associate Scientist, R&D Snacks - Bakery

How you will make history here...
 

We are seeking an Associate Scientist, R&D - Snacks Bakery to join our Snacks Research & Development team. With support and oversight, this role develops and executes product development solutions for bakery projects, ensuring feasibility and compliance with company standards. The position supports projects across bakery categories, with a primary focus on bread, buns, rolls, and related baked products. The scope includes supporting the product development process from idea conception through plant commercialization.

The Associate Scientist supports benchtop development, pilot plant work, plant trials, start-ups, and ad hoc technical needs. The individual may also work in a laboratory setting using applicable analytical testing equipment. This role completes routine testing and evaluation tasks, assists with research, gathers and analyzes data, and reports findings for simple assignments and clearly defined project segments. Work is completed under close supervision using established processes, protocols, and safe work practices.

What you will do...

Product Development Support
 

·     Support Product Development Scientists with product ideation, benchtop prototyping, product feasibility testing, pilot plant work, plant trials, start-ups, productivity programs, quality programs, and business continuity initiatives.

·     Assist with the development, assessment, and validation of bakery formulations from benchtop through commercialization with guidance and coaching from R&D management and senior technical team members.

·     Complete assigned tasks or clearly defined project segments across innovation, renovation, cost savings, quality improvement, alternate ingredient qualification, and continuity of supply projects.

·     Prepare product samples and support sensory, analytical, and product evaluations.

Bakery Science & Technical Execution

·     Apply foundational knowledge of food science, bakery ingredients, formulation, experimental design, and processing principles to routine development work.

·     Execute established test methods and protocols; accurately collect, organize, and summarize technical data.

·     Use basic problem-solving skills and scientific principles to interpret results, identify potential causes of product or process issues, and recommend next steps with guidance.

·     Conduct and maintain quality and analytical testing data for the Product Development team as needed.

·     Work safely with food ingredients, allergens, laboratory equipment, and processing equipment while using required personal protective equipment.

Commercialization & Documentation

·     Support pilot plant and manufacturing trials by completing assigned technical tasks and coordinating samples, testing, and data collection.

·     Maintain accurate and timely pre-trial and post-trial documentation and communications for the cross-functional team.

·     Maintain formulas, test plans, results, conclusions, and other project records in the electronic laboratory notebook and applicable systems.

·     Complete assigned commercialization activities with guidance and communicate potential risks or issues to the project lead in a timely manner.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

·     Work effectively with internal partners, including Marketing, Quality Assurance, Process Development, Packaging Development, Finance, Operations, Procurement, Regulatory, and Supply Chain.

·     Communicate work status, observations, results, and technical information clearly in written and verbal formats.

·     Collaborate with suppliers, co-manufacturers, and other external partners to build knowledge and support project needs.

·     Contribute positively to a collaborative team environment; this role has no formal supervisory responsibilities.

Work Planning, Safety & Organization

·     Plan and organize assigned tasks to meet project timing, checking in regularly for direction and feedback.

·     Adapt effectively to changing priorities while managing multiple assigned tasks in a team environment.

·     Maintain a clean, organized, and safe benchtop and laboratory workspace.

Who you will work with...

You will work with R&D and cross-functional commercialization partners.

What you bring to the table (must haves)...

·     Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Bakery Science, Engineering, or a related scientific field from an accredited institution.

·     6 months of related experience in food product development or a consumer-packaged goods environment; relevant internship or co-op experience may be included.

It would be great if you have (nice to haves)...
 

·     Foundational knowledge of food science, product development, experimental design, and data collection and analysis.

·     Excellent attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively with guidance in a team environment.

·     Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to manage multiple assigned tasks and priorities.

·     Ability to handle food ingredients and allergens, including dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and eggs, while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

·     Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

·     Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

·     Ability to travel up to 35% of the time.

·     Internship, co-op, academic, or industry experience in bakery or food product development.

·     Hands-on experience with benchtop development, laboratory testing, pilot plant work, sensory evaluation, or manufacturing trials.

·     Experience using formulas, data analysis, and graphing applications in Microsoft Office.

·     Exposure to bread, buns, rolls, or related baked product formulation and processing.