Associate Scientist, R&D

Campbell's • Camden, NJ

1d • $61,200 - $84,200

About The Position

The Associate Scientist coordinates and executes product development and commercialization for beverage and other shelf-stable product initiatives. Work includes new platform and line extension innovation, cost optimization, ingredient testing and application, and quality improvements. The role applies food ingredient and technology principles to create consumer-focused products that meet business goals, objectives, product-design requirements, and project timelines.

The Associate Scientist leads benchtop, pilot plant, and plant trials to test and develop prototypes throughout product development and commercialization. The position provides technical leadership for new products and processes, with an emphasis on food innovation, consumer insights, ingredient functionality, product and package interaction, low-pH shelf-stable foods, hot-fill-and-hold processing, design of experiments, and effective communication.

The role works with cross-functional teams and external partners, supports Plant Operations and Quality Assurance, and reports to the Senior Scientist, R&D. The position may involve travel to offices, research kitchens, pilot plants, and manufacturing plants, as well as work in thermal production environments and handling food ingredients and allergens.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science or a related field, with an emphasis on product development.
• 0–2 years of related experience; relevant internships or Co-Op programs count toward the experience requirement.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Ability to work in a thermal production environment with exposure to heat, hot food products, coolers, and freezers, while using personal protective equipment.
• Ability to walk or stand for up to three-quarters of the workday at times.
• Physical ability to handle weights of approximately 30 pounds.
• Ability to handle allergens, including dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs, and other food ingredient chemicals and allergens, while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Willingness and ability to taste and evaluate a wide range of food products and ingredients.

Nice To Haves

• Consumer packaged goods background.
• At least 1 year of related experience, preferably with a consumer packaged goods background; relevant internships or Co-Op programs count toward the experience requirement.
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for food science, product development, ingredient technology, and consumers as they relate to innovation, line extensions, and productivity opportunities.
• Ability to determine the root cause of a problem with guidance and execute effective solutions.
• Ability to work with support groups and function effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness to actively participate in product development, share findings publicly, and ask questions about why and how.
• Pride in Campbell’s brands and products.
• Self-starter who can work independently with a high degree of accuracy in experiments and laboratory records.
• Ability to multitask and work comfortably in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification, assessment, and validation of formulations from benchtop through commercialization.
• Accurately document work and keep project milestones on schedule.
• Conduct and lead assessment and capability studies, product startups, and commercialization activities.
• Provide on-site support to Plant Operations and Quality Assurance for new products, productivity, and quality programs.
• Introduce consumer-centric ideas and product concepts for new products, quality improvements, and productivity opportunities.
• Conduct and lead prototype assessments with cross-functional project teams.
• Capture feedback and communicate findings and next steps to internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with Senior Management and Plant Management.
• Apply problem-solving skills to identify, interpret, and analyze data, and provide direction to development projects.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize them according to business objectives and timelines, with manager guidance.
• Adapt to changes in direction and work effectively in a dynamic business environment.
• Work with cross-functional partners, including Marketing, Sensory, Operations/Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, QA, Regulatory, Process Development, and Package Development.
• Work with external vendors, co-manufacturers, and lab services.

Benefits

• Medical insurance beginning on the first day of employment.
• Dental insurance beginning on the first day of employment.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• AD&D insurance.
• Life insurance for individuals, families, and domestic partners.
• Matching 401(k) plan with enrollment available on the first day of employment and immediate vesting.
• Unlimited sick time.
• Paid time off.
• Holiday pay.
• Free access to the fitness center for employees in WHQ.
• Access to on-site day care operated by Bright Horizons.
• Company store.
• Campbell’s Cares matches employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• Wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level