Principal Scientist

Job Title: Principal Scientist

Job Category: R&D

Location: Springfield, MO

Experience Required: 8 years

Applications Accepted By: Catalyst Innovative Solutions

Subject Line: Principal Scientist – Springfield, MO

Job Description

General Purpose: Responsible for the development of co-dried and dry blended dairy/dairy flavors for food and dairy industries from concept/opportunity through commercialization. This person will be relied upon as an expert related to co-drying and dry blending including dairy science research, innovation, development, and applications.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Research dairy science, food science, and equipment for innovating new technologies and developing intellectual property (IP).
2. Develop new wet and dry dairy systems, dairy flavors, dairy emulsions, and solutions using available ingredient options and manufacturing capabilities.
3. Utilize drying and dry blending capabilities to enhance the value of dried dairy products.
4. Work with engineering and process technology to expand drying, dry blending, and agglomeration capabilities.
5. Reformulate products to reduce costs and adapt to commodity market fluctuations.
6. Perform applications testing to ensure products exceed customer expectations.
7. Utilize sensory science tools for customer data points.
8. Conduct pilot plant testing for successful scale-up.
9. Drive commercialization of new products by partnering with process technology teams.
10. Support customers in scale-up and commercialization efforts.
11. Effectively operate pilot plant equipment for scaling-up and testing.
12. Develop concepts for benchtop sessions in partnership with sales and marketing.
13. Support sales in determining customer needs and strategies.
14. Proactively initiate action plans for developing solutions.
15. Inspire customers through demonstrations of unique products and applications.
16. Provide technical expertise and support to customers.
17. Drive opportunities to commercialization internally.
18. Utilize product lifecycle management (PLM) processes and adhere to Scientific Development Standards.
19. Utilize CRM (Salesforce.com) to manage project milestones and track KPIs.
20. Collaborate with technical sales and customer support to provide solutions.
21. Contribute to technical content for sales and marketing presentations.
22. Provide effective reporting to leadership.
23. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and influence others.

Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• B.S. Degree in food, dairy, or biological science related discipline (Masters or PhD desirable).
• 8+ years of industry experience in R&D.
• Proven career advancement in dairy flavors and related products.
• Demonstrated staff leadership or management experience.
• Successful track record in new product development.

Desired Areas of Expertise:

• Co-drying and dry blending of dairy and flavors.
• Seasoning and flavor development.
• Agglomeration and instantization of powders.
• Food safety programs and regulatory knowledge.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to solve complex customer demands.
• Self-driven with hands-on work habits.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to change.
• Effective interaction with senior organizational levels.
• Able to read, write, and speak English.

Travel: 15%-25% (1-2 times per quarter)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

Work Location: In person