R&D Scientist

Berner Food & Beverage•Dakota, IL

15h•$65,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Berner Food & Beverage is seeking an R&D Scientist to formulate milk- and dairy-based beverage products and/or cheese products and help manage development from prototype through commercialization. The role supports customer specifications, Nutrition Facts panels, ingredient statements, and compliance with applicable FDA standards of identity and label-related claims. The scientist builds customer relationships and works across functions to execute production trials and testing, while providing technical support to Operations and customers as needed. The position develops new products, optimizes existing products, adapts customer formulas, and prepares benchtop samples for evaluation and shipment. It sets up formulas and processes for plant trials and production, supports pilot and production trials and thermal process testing, and creates product documentation that meets applicable FDA/USDA requirements for shelf-stable products and LACF requirements. The role also helps maintain the beverage laboratory and pilot plant, supports Operations, and assists with thermal processing studies under the direction of management and the Process Authority. The position is performed onsite at the designated workplace. It requires the ability to work in a production environment and support production trials in a 24/7 operation.

Requirements

Minimum B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field.
Solid understanding of emulsions, milk and whey proteins, food safety, and allergens.
Ability to discriminate flavors.
Demonstrated initiative and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent relationship skills and ability to work directly with customers and sales.
Exceptional written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
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 Microsoft Excel skills and ability to navigate web-based systems.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Dairy Science preferred.
1–5 years of food product development and commercialization experience preferred.
Retort knowledge or experience desired.

Responsibilities

Develop new products, optimize existing products, and adapt customer formulas.
Produce benchtop samples and evaluate them 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, including customer and thermal process testing.
Provide timely and appropriate product information to support customer requirements.
Create product specifications, ingredient statements, and Nutrition Facts panels, ensuring products meet appropriate FDA/USDA requirements for shelf-stable products.
Use outside resources to recommend new technology platforms for beverage product development.
Maintain the beverage lab and pilot plant, including ingredient inventories, supplies, equipment cleaning, and 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 the Process Authority.
Ensure formulas and product parameters are documented to meet LACF requirements.