Food Scientist

Jack Link's Protein Snacks•Minneapolis, MN

1h•$75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Food Scientist plays a key role in corporate research, development, and innovation initiatives, including new product development, product and process improvement, quality, and food safety. The position helps the company achieve its growth objectives through the use of technology and innovation in product development, packaging, quality control, and operations. The role manages assigned projects and collaborates with Operations, QA, and R&D colleagues to develop and commercialize products, maintain quality, and improve product and process performance. The position may require travel up to 30%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science, or a related field.
At least 3 years of product development experience or experience working in relevant food manufacturing.
Familiarity with laboratory procedures and equipment.
Proficient written and oral communication skills.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Demonstrated relationship-building and leadership skills, including effective collaboration with R&D, quality, and cross-functional partners.
Strong problem-solving skills and a bias for action.
Detail-oriented, with demonstrated experience maintaining accurate records of tests and related work.
Ability to travel up to 30%.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in the meat processing industry or meat lab experience.
Understanding of USDA regulations.
Smokehouse experience, including natural and atomized smoke applications.
Experience in the shelf-stable meat snack industry.
Knowledge of food manufacturing regulations, standards and labeling, plant sanitation, and microbiology.

Responsibilities

Drive and support innovation development from internal and external sources in support of the company’s strategic plan.
Explore alternative ingredients, vendors, and processes to improve margins for new and current product opportunities.
Support the identification and research of potential new platform opportunities.
Provide feedback and technical assistance as a member of the R&D team.
Manage assigned projects, including sourcing and verifying raw ingredients and materials; coordinating with Operations, QA, and R&D to schedule and conduct plant trials; hands-on technical development and commercialization; and documenting test formulas, procedures, and outcomes.
Lead product cuttings for cross-functional teams, covering existing products, product improvements, new products, and competitive samples.
Champion quality awareness and maintain product quality across product lines.
Continuously improve products and processes to increase quality and profitability.
Document and maintain product and process specifications, nutritional values, product labeling, and regulatory requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.