Associate Director of R&D - Palatants

Kemin Industries • Des Moines, IA

76d

About The Position

Kemin Nutrisurance is hiring an Associate Director of R&D to lead our Palatants Discovery group! This key leadership role will guide and support the strategic direction, planning, and day-to-day operations of the business unit's research team. The Associate Director will spearhead long-term planning initiatives, shape research priorities, and help manage the unit's research budget. As a member of the Business Unit Leadership Team, this position plays a vital role in driving innovation and collaboration across the organization. Candidates must be based in Des Moines, Iowa, or be willing to relocate.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in a scientific related field with 15+ years of experience OR
• Masters degree in a scientific related field with 10+ years of experience OR
• PhD with 7+ years of experience
• Experience in a leadership role within pet food is highly desired.
• Superb attention to detail; produces work of exceptional quality and accuracy.
• Excellent scientific skills in experiment design and data collection with ability to perform advanced statistical analysis.
• Very strong analytical and problem solving skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• Ability to proactively identify issues and address with solutions-oriented approach.
• Proven interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills; fluent in English, both written and oral.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment; able to manage competing priorities; excellent time management skills.
• Advanced computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Set team goals within a significant portfolio of projects that drives business growth.
• Develop, review, and coach others on research plans, literature reviews, laboratory experiments, SOP's, research protocol and be a center of excellence for team members.
• Lead IP strategy for area of focus.
• Overall management responsibility for a scientific team with a BU; create culture that ensures all are working toward shared goals.
• Assist team members with creating SMART goals, development plans and coach team members to reach goals.
• Mentor and coach team members on technical processes, personal development and business issues.
• Independently identify and lead external research collaborations to obtain new intellectual property.
• Participate with management to lead and drive strategic planning process and decisions and manage research budget.
• Lead customer meetings if technical expertise is required.
• Interpret advanced data analysis; review other's data analysis for accuracy, thoroughness and compliance.
• Coach others on the proper analysis needed for different types projects.
• Develop of find innovative data analysis methods needed for projects.
• Present information on Kemin's behalf at scientific meetings and trade shows.
• Review internal publications and external scientific journal publications and regulatory submissions.
• Coach others in writing and preparing communications for internal or external publication.

Benefits

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for volunteering in your community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees