Associate Scientist, R&D

Campbell's • Camden, NJ

2d

About The Position

The Associate Scientist is responsible for coordinating and executing 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 products that meet consumer needs and business goals, while ensuring objectives, product design, and timelines are met.

The Associate Scientist leads benchtop, pilot plant, and plant trials to test and create prototypes throughout development and commercialization. The position requires understanding consumer insights and food product design, ingredient functionality, product and package interaction, low-pH shelf-stable foods, hot-fill-and-hold process technology, and design of experiments. It provides technical leadership in executing new products and processes while fostering innovation and calculated risk-taking.

The role collaborates with cross-functional partners and external vendors, co-manufacturers, and lab services, and provides on-site support to Plant Operations and Quality Assurance. It reports to the Senior Scientist, R&D. The position may require travel up to 25% and work in office, research kitchen, pilot plant, and manufacturing-plant settings.

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.
• Understanding of food ingredient and technology principles, ingredient functionality, product and package interaction, low-pH shelf-stable foods, hot-fill-and-hold process technology, and design of experiments.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Ability to work in a thermal production environment with exposure to heat, hot food products, coolers, and freezers, 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 and food ingredient chemicals, including dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and eggs, while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Willingness and ability to taste and evaluate a wide range of food products and ingredients.

Nice To Haves

• Consumer packaged goods background.
• One or more years 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, consumers, and innovation in new products, 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.
• Ability to actively contribute to product development, share findings publicly, and ask questions.
• Pride in Campbell’s brands and products.
• Self-starter who can work independently with accuracy in experiments and laboratory records.
• Ability to multitask and work comfortably in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, assessment, and validation of formulations from benchtop through commercialization.
• Ensure project documentation is accurately recorded and milestones remain 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.
• 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 projects and prioritize them according to business objectives and timelines, with manager guidance.
• Adapt to changing priorities and work effectively with a team to achieve targeted results.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, AD&D, and life insurance coverage, including options 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, and holiday pay.
• Free access to the fitness center for employees at WHQ.
• Access to on-site day care operated by Bright Horizons and a company store.
• Campbell’s Cares matches employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually.
• Employee Resource Groups.
• Wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.

What This Job Offers

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