Product Development Scientist, Pet

Post Consumer Brands • Lakeville, MN

117d • $77,831 - $115,190

About The Position

The R D Scientist - Pet Product Development is responsible for leading product development initiatives and testing to translate consumer insights into technical design requirements. This role involves formulating new and existing pet products, managing project activities using established project management methodologies, and driving cross-functional collaboration throughout the development process. The successful candidate will contribute to innovation, cost optimization, and quality enhancement efforts that align with company goals and deliver value to pet owners and their companions. Develop new products and improvements to existing products. Assure that product activities meet company cost capacity, quality, marketing and product development requirements. Coordinate and run (in partnership with Pilot Plant and Manufacturing Sites) experimental designs to test hypotheses in the areas of sensory/palatability, stability, and other key technical project deliverables. Communicate results, key learnings, and recommendations. Author or contribute to technical proposals, summaries, presentations, and project reports. Lead project or technical teams, as needed to proactively meet project needs/timing. Keep abreast of new ingredients and technologies as well as patent art in and beyond the existing category. Actively collaborate and partner with team members, both internal and external to R D, to develop key tasks and project plans for timely completion of goals Support the identification and solution of cost savings issues, product/packaging change issues, equipment modifications, manufacturability issues, etc., using appropriate scientific principles.

Requirements

• BS in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Animal Nutrition, or related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in Research & Development is preferred.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Proven innovation and creativity.
• Ability to work effectively in team-based environment with multiple functional groups.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to achieve results and execute multiple simultaneous projects.
• Project Management Skills: Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize and manage projects; interact, support, facilitate and lead multi-functional work teams; ability to lead team to a consensus; strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, meeting deadlines, and communicating status.

Nice To Haves

• Pet Food and/or Snacks formulation and product development experience is highly desired.
• Experience with food processes, e.g. extrusion, thermal processing, or baking is a plus.
• Experience with formulation software such as Concept 5 is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development initiatives and testing to translate consumer insights into technical design requirements.
• Formulate new and existing pet products.
• Manage project activities using established project management methodologies.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration throughout the development process.
• Contribute to innovation, cost optimization, and quality enhancement efforts.
• Develop new products and improvements to existing products.
• Assure that product activities meet company cost capacity, quality, marketing and product development requirements.
• Coordinate and run experimental designs to test hypotheses in sensory/palatability, stability, and other key technical project deliverables.
• Communicate results, key learnings, and recommendations.
• Author or contribute to technical proposals, summaries, presentations, and project reports.
• Lead project or technical teams as needed to meet project needs/timing.
• Keep abreast of new ingredients and technologies as well as patent art.
• Collaborate with team members to develop key tasks and project plans for timely completion of goals.
• Support the identification and solution of cost savings issues, product/packaging change issues, equipment modifications, manufacturability issues.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree