Research & Development Senior Scientist

Chobani•Allentown, PA

About The Position

The Research & Development Senior Scientist will help lead product development for Chobani’s next wave of innovations in healthy beverages and snacks, while providing technical support to its growing dairy business. The role is part of the Research and Innovation department and supports the company’s mission of making healthy and delicious foods accessible to more people. The scientist will develop and execute research plans, design and analyze experiments, and carry out product development work at laboratory and pilot scales. The role leads technical development projects from concept through commercialization, including project budgets, targets, timelines, testing, trials, and operational launches. It also involves developing analytical measurements, supporting processing technologies, communicating with stakeholders, and working with plant personnel on trial runs and start-up operations. The role requires following safety procedures and Good Manufacturing practices.

Requirements

Minimum B.S. in Food Science, Dairy Science, or a related life science field.
At least 5 years of food industry experience in dairy beverages.
Extensive knowledge of ingredients, including stabilizers and alternative sweeteners, flavor development, product processing, and product stability.
Background in process and product development and commercialization of food processes.
Proven track record of leading product development projects, including timeline development and management, testing and trials, operational launch, and scale-up.
Familiarity with basic research tools and statistical analysis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects or tasks at a time.
Willingness to travel 25%.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree.
Knowledge of milk filtration and aseptic processing.
Experience with dairy UHT aseptic processing.

Responsibilities

Execute research and development plans and strategies for product development in support of company objectives, particularly for new food platforms beyond yogurt.
Design and execute experiments based on project objectives; maintain records, collect and analyze data, and prepare project summaries.
Plan and carry out development work at laboratory and pilot scales.
Design, develop, and lead tests to qualify new products and support changes to existing products.
Conduct and develop analytical measurements to support new product designs and processing technologies.
Manage technical development projects focused on product development, process, and product care.
Lead and document development projects from conceptualization through commercialization, including budgets and targets within time constraints.
Communicate project requirements, recommendations, and status to internal customers and external stakeholders.
Lead, assist, and work directly with plant processing and production personnel to ensure trial runs and start-up operations are properly performed.
Follow Chobani’s safety procedures and Good Manufacturing procedures and practices.
Maintain a clean and safe manufacturing environment within all facilities.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Disability insurance.
Health savings account and flexible spending accounts.
Tuition reimbursement.
401(k) match of 100% on up to 5% of eligible pay.
Fertility and childcare assistance.
12 weeks of parental leave at full pay after six months of continuous employment.
Employee assistance program, fitness discounts, wellness reimbursement, on-site gym access at certain locations, and a monthly wellness newsletter.
120 hours of paid time off.
11 paid holidays.
Paid volunteer time off.
Bonus and equity.