This R&D Scientist is a dual role, in both Dairy Foods R&D and Milk Replacer R&D.
The R&D Scientist role within Dairy Foods R&D provides technical expertise in dairy product development, formula optimization, and foundational research, working across lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing settings. This role executes projects in food chemistry, applies sound experimental methodology, and contributes to cross-functional innovation through technical guidance and collaboration with product developers and other scientists.
The R&D Scientist role within Milk Replacer R&D is a detail-oriented and collaborative partner to support product development, quality assurance, and manufacturing operations. This role serves as a critical liaison between R&D, quality, and plant teams to ensure ingredient functionality, product integrity, and compliance with internal standards.
Executes assigned projects by designing and conducting experiments in laboratory and pilot plant settings with minimal guidance. Applies foundational scientific principles to generate reliable data, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and support project objectives through hands-on technical work. Selects methods, tools, and procedures for experiments and resolves routine technical issues independently.
Analyzes and communicates technical data to demonstrate project progress, contribute chemistry-based insights, and effectively share results with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Makes independent decisions on experimental design details and data interpretation within defined project parameters.
Collaborates with scientists within the Food Chemistry team and across other product development teams in Dairy Foods to support project execution, share technical insights, and foster cross-functional learning
Provide process engineering support, troubleshooting, formula design and approval processes from a functionality perspective, and set and review ingredient limit design, manage the approval process for specification deviations for manufactured products and ingredients
Act as a strategic partner in R&D research trials, including participation in trial design meetings, novel ingredient testing, support innovation initiatives, and serve as the subject matter expert on product functionality and quality
Provide troubleshooting for product or formula issues at manufacturing plants and customer complaints, including evaluating product performance and investigation and developing solutions
Required Experience/Knowledge/Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
Preferred experience in food industry setting
3+ years experience in an R&D setting required
Excellent cross-functional communication and decision-making skills.
Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and formulation principles.
Experience in quality assurance, product development, or manufacturing operations.
Ability to interpret testing data and make informed approvals under defined limits
The salary range for this role is $81,200 -$121,800. In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges.
About Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.
Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).
Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.
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