Product Development Scientist

This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption. Click here to learn more.

Job Description

AFB International is a global science and technology leader in pet food palatability, developing and producing a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers. As expert in pet food, AFB International is partner with pet food manufacturers to create better-tasting dog and cat foods, treats and supplements, meeting the specific needs of the pets and pet owners they serve. The company is part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), a privately-owned high technology conglomerate, and has offices and/or production facilities in the USA (global HQ), Europe, Latin America, Mexico, Australia and China.

The Science & Technology team in AFB is a global team within Research & Development where the responsibility of the team is to think long term, and execute against the broader global strategy, developing all assets and innovative tools to ensure new science and new technology that meet market trends, deliver IP and grow our business.

Your opportunity within AFB International

As our Science & Technology Product Development Scientist (level will be based on experience and education), you will play a critical role in driving product sciences to deliver successful new products, scale-up of new technology, taking supply assurance of raw materials into consideration, management of critical risk factors in product development and provide technical support to operations. The main responsibility in this role is to develop new best-in-class palatants from concept to launch, meeting the criteria of internal and external stakeholders and strengthen our product portfolio. In this role, you will report to the North American Head of Product and Process Sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Support new product development using various processes within the Research & Development Department, as well as implementation of research projects.
• Designs studies, outline procedures and execute research and product development from bench-top to pilot scale to market launch. Ensure seamless implementation from new product concept to production.
• Apply expertise in food science and processing principles to conduct laboratory work for developing new products and line extensions with focus on thermally processed products.
• Lead product development pipelines by implementing concepts and technologies for liquid and dry palatant products from concept to execution.
• Document and organize information related to projects for use in further applied or theoretical research activities.
• Work collaboratively with product, process and other cross-functional teams to achieve business priorities.
• Provide product support to the Manufacturing sites through an intimate technical knowledge of product-process interactions.
• Participates in team decision making regarding research priorities R&D department and provides information on feasibility of prospective projects.
• Be data driven. Perform data analysis on the data generated in experimental designs and analytical trials & translate them into business outcomes.
• Serve as subject matter expert on the product line and provide support to supply chain with potential solutions to issues experienced during production scale up of formulations
• Responsible for communication (both written and verbal) of key project / technical findings (presentations and technical reports), inform the project team and key stakeholders for further decision making.
• Capable to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic working environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities and is an individual contributor.

Education & Professional Qualification

• Minimum BS in food science, food processing, chemistry with at least 5 or more years’ experience working on food related or pet food related product development, R&D and Innovation & scale-up.
• Preferably, MS in food science, processing, engineering and/or animal nutrition, with a minimum of 3 years’ hands-on R&D experience in food and/or pet food industry.
• Preferably, PhD in food science, processing with a minimum of 1-year hands-on industry experience developing food or pet-related products in product development roles within R&D.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge/Experience

• Solid understanding of food science and processing principles, product development from concept, scale up to launch.
• Demonstrated business acumen with the ability to dive deep into technical details, while maintaining a holistic end-to-end business perspective.
• Hands-on experience formulating recipes, developing products and process until scale-up.
• Experience in thermal processing techniques is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to apply rigorous research methods and study designs while maintaining business perspective to make practical, value-driven decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to define problems, test hypotheses, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to document and maintain accurate records related to projects
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within and across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Proven experience in applying project management principles as appropriate to project needs.
• Excellent verbal, written communication skills and presentation skills.
• Understanding of food manufacturing practices and quality standards.
• Proficient in MS Office applications. Knowledge of statistical software is a plus.

Competencies:

• Demonstrated intrapreneurial and growth-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous learning and improvement.
• Strong sense of ownership and initiative with ability to take projects from concept to completion.
• Hands-on mentality, able to work in a lab/pilot environment to create products.
• Ability to prioritize and oversee multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative team player who thrives on cross-functional environments.
• Data-driven and results-driven player who thrives to achieve measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently by taking initiative and driving forward with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills can proactively influence and build relationships across the business.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to navigate environments where priorities evolve.
• Results and data driven with ability to document and maintain accurate records.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is repeatedly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee frequently must lift and move up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand for extended hours for lab, pilot plant and production trials.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually noisy.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.