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The Sr. R&D Technologist will perform in-plant experiments for projects pertaining to new packaging, equipment, product types, storage conditions, etc. to support the plant operations, customer requirements, quality management and research and development. The Sr. R&D Technologist must have a working knowledge about processed meats, ingredient functionality, processing systems, packaging, and shelf life. The Sr. R&D Technologist will apply this knowledge towards addressing plant quality issues, technical support and to ensure customer- and regulator-compliance. 

Core Responsibilities

• Independently designs, plans and executes experiments, analyzes tests results and effectively reports results on projects as assigned.
• Conducts appropriate research in concert with operations on Foods Safety and Project Development.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to plant QA and operational personnel on food quality, chemistry and production issues.
• Work to improve efficiencies in current production practices.
• Continued effort to optimize ingredients and formulations.
• Oversight of process control at the plant to ensure production practices are in place to provide high quality low cost products.
• Conduct chemistry analysis on all test product during production to ensure compliance and optimization.
• Continued evaluation of products and production practices to find cost avoidance solutions.
• Maintains relationships in the scientific community to help keep up with current, relevant science.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

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/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Food Science or related field and 5+ years of relevant plant manufacturing experience in the meat processing industry, required.
• Mater's Degree, preferred.
• Strong scientific knowledge of meat science principles as they relate to meat processing, including non-meat ingredients and their functionality, especially processed meats.
• Strong professional and academic networks in the fields of meat science and food science.
• Knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations as they relate to standards of identity, ingredients, nutrition labeling and label claims.
• Experienced with experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Ability to independently conduct applied research in the laboratory and in red meat-processing environments.
• Laboratory and plant project design and planning skills and the ability to communicate relevant technical information relating to food quality to processed meat plant QA and operational managers.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with scientists and non-scientists alike. Must effectively communicate with personnel in plant production, quality and food safety, business development, plant general management, executives within the company, and customers.
• Prior peer-reviewed publications in meat quality would be advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
• May be required to travel up to 20%.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May have the opportunity to oversee junior level employees where you would manage daily activities, oversee work hours, and conduct basic training for an entry level employee within the R&D department