R & D Scientist

Saturn Petcare Inc•Terre Haute, IN

10h

About The Position

The R&D scientist will have the opportunity to use knowledge and experience to conduct research in pet wet food. As a part of the R&D team, the R&D scientist will develop strategies to improve existing products and processing, participate in the formulation and development of new products, participate actively in projects to face supply chain issues, and participate in cross-functional projects with other areas of the company. Additionally, the R&D scientist will be involved in projects for qualification of raw materials, label compliance, product and ingredient testing, databases, analytical data, among others. The right candidate for this position should be motivated to learn, have critical thinking, be solution-focused, and be a teamwork player.

Requirements

BS degree in pet food, animal sciences, food sciences, or related field.
Knowledge and understanding of pet food nutrition and pet food regulations.
Strong knowledge of raw materials and ingredients functionality.
Ability to work in teams.
Ability to evaluate research data and draw reasonable conclusions and initiate next steps.
Proficient in MS Office applications.
Experience in Concept 5, Best Mix, or any other formulation software.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Nice To Haves

Prior pet food R&D experience is highly desirable and preferred.
Knowledge of retorting is a plus but not required.
SAP experience is a plus but not required.
German language speaking skills is another advantage.

Responsibilities

Follows and supports all Company Safety policies and procedures
Responsible for formulation and development of new products
Re-engineer existing products
Ensure that product aesthetics and other physical attributes are consistent with our customer’s expectations.
Ensure label compliance to AAFCO standards
Define and ensure all critical factors for ingredients and processing.
Ensure that technology transfer into procurement, manufacturing, quality, engineering, and warehousing are well communicated before product commissioning.
Ensure feeding studies are completed and meet and/or exceed the benchmark.
Participate in the design and execution of trials to improve existing products or new products.
Participate in the reviewing of new and existing labels to comply with the regulations.
Provide support during critical issues and product performance investigations.
Provide support to the management of a root cause analysis of a non-conformance material.
Maintains established housekeeping standards for the responsible area.