Product Development Scientist

AFB International•St. Charles, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

AFB International is a global science and technology leader in pet food palatability, developing and producing a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers. For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people, ensuring pets receive vital nutrients. The company partners with pet food manufacturers to create better-tasting dog and cat foods, treats, and supplements, meeting the specific needs of pets and pet owners. AFB International is part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), a privately-owned high technology conglomerate, with offices and production facilities in the USA (global HQ), Europe, Latin America, Mexico, Australia, and China. The Science & Technology team within AFB is a global Research & Development team responsible for long-term strategy, developing assets and innovative tools to ensure new science and technology meet market trends, deliver intellectual property, and grow the business. As a Science & Technology Product Development Scientist, the level of which will be based on experience and education, you will play a critical role in driving product sciences to deliver successful new products, scale-up new technology, considering raw material supply assurance, managing critical risk factors in product development, and providing technical support to operations. The main responsibility in this role is to develop new best-in-class palatants from concept to launch, meeting the criteria of internal and external stakeholders and strengthening the product portfolio. This position is an individual contributor role and reports to the North American Head of Product and Process Sciences.

Requirements

Minimum BS in food science, food processing, chemistry with at least 5 or more years’ experience working on food related or pet food related product development, R&D and Innovation & scale-up.
Solid understanding of food science and processing principles, product development from concept, scale up to launch.
Demonstrated business acumen with the ability to dive deep into technical details, while maintaining a holistic end-to-end business perspective.
Hands-on experience formulating recipes, developing products and process until scale-up.
Demonstrated ability to apply rigorous research methods and study designs while maintaining business perspective to make practical, value-driven decisions.
Demonstrated ability to define problems, test hypotheses, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to document and maintain accurate records related to projects.
Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within and across teams to achieve shared goals.
Proven experience in applying project management principles as appropriate to project needs.
Excellent verbal, written communication skills and presentation skills.
Understanding of food manufacturing practices and quality standards.
Proficient in MS Office applications.
Demonstrated intrapreneurial and growth-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous learning and improvement.
Strong sense of ownership and initiative with ability to take projects from concept to completion.
Hands-on mentality, able to work in a lab/pilot environment to create products.
Ability to prioritize and oversee multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Collaborative team player who thrives on cross-functional environments.
Data-driven and results-driven player who thrives to achieve measurable outcomes.
Demonstrates the ability to work independently by taking initiative and driving forward with minimal supervision.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills can proactively influence and build relationships across the business.
Comfortable with ambiguity and able to navigate environments where priorities evolve.
Results and data driven with ability to document and maintain accurate records.

Nice To Haves

MS in food science, processing, engineering and/or animal nutrition, with a minimum of 3 years’ hands-on R&D experience in food and/or pet food industry.
PhD in food science, processing with a minimum of 1-year hands-on industry experience developing food or pet-related products in product development roles within R&D.
Experience in thermal processing techniques is preferred.
Knowledge of statistical software is a plus.

Responsibilities

Support new product development using various processes within the Research & Development Department, as well as implementation of research projects.
Designs studies, outline procedures and execute research and product development from bench-top to pilot scale to market launch.
Ensure seamless implementation from new product concept to production.
Apply expertise in food science and processing principles to conduct laboratory work for developing new products and line extensions with focus on thermally processed products.
Lead product development pipelines by implementing concepts and technologies for liquid and dry palatant products from concept to execution.
Document and organize information related to projects for use in further applied or theoretical research activities.
Work collaboratively with product, process and other cross-functional teams to achieve business priorities.
Provide product support to the Manufacturing sites through an intimate technical knowledge of product-process interactions.
Participates in team decision making regarding research priorities R&D department and provides information on feasibility of prospective projects.
Be data driven. Perform data analysis on the data generated in experimental designs and analytical trials & translate them into business outcomes.
Serve as subject matter expert on the product line and provide support to supply chain with potential solutions to issues experienced during production scale up of formulations.
Responsible for communication (both written and verbal) of key project / technical findings (presentations and technical reports), inform the project team and key stakeholders for further decision making.
Capable to thrive in a fast paced, dynamic working environment.