R&D Scientist

Berner Food & Beverage•Dakota, IL

7h•$65,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Berner Food & Beverage is seeking an R&D Scientist to join their Research and Development team. This role focuses on formulating milk/dairy-based beverage products and/or cheese products, managing the development process from prototype to commercialization, and ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, aiming to provide a safe, productive, inclusive, and respectful work environment.

Requirements

Minimum B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field.
Solid understanding of emulsions, milk & whey proteins, food safety, and allergens.
Ability to discriminate flavors.
Demonstrates initiative and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent relationship skills and ability to work directly with customers and sales.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent project management and organizational skills.
Ability to maintain and operate laboratory and pilot equipment.
Ability to work in a production environment and support production trials in a 24/7 operation.
Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Strong in Microsoft Excel and navigating web-based systems.

Nice To Haves

Master's preferred in Dairy Science
Preferred 1-5 years of food product development and commercialization experience
Retort knowledge/experience desired

Responsibilities

Develop new products, optimize existing products, and adapt customer formulas.
Produce benchtop samples and evaluate for shipment to customers.
Set up formulas and processes for plant trials and production.
Work cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement, and Quality to conduct pilot and production trials for customer and thermal process testing.
Provide timely and appropriate product information to support customer requirements.
Create product specifications, ingredient statements, and Nutrition Facts panels, assuring products meet appropriate FDA/USDA requirements for shelf-stable products.
Leverage outside resources to recommend new technology platforms to support new beverage product development.
Maintain beverage lab and pilot plant, overseeing ingredient inventories, supplies, equipment cleaning & maintenance.
Provide technical support and leadership to Operations.
Learn and develop knowledge of Berner’s thermal processing procedures.
Assist with thermal processing studies in production retorts, under the direction of management and Process Authority.
Ensure documentation of formulas and product parameters to meet LACF requirements.