Research Scientist, Proteins

Louis Dreyfus Company • Livermore, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Louis Dreyfus Company is seeking a Research Scientist, Proteins to plan, manage, and execute protein extraction research from bench to pilot scale. The goal is to improve protein functionality in model food and beverage systems. This role involves generating innovative ideas, converting them into experiments, and potentially creating intellectual property. The scientist will collaborate with product development, process engineering, and analytics teams, and develop bottom-up innovative methods for plant protein isolation, purification, and characterization. Responsibilities include data visualization, statistical analysis, interpreting experimental results, and communicating findings to the business unit. The position also requires serving as a subject matter expert in plant protein research, mentoring internal talent, and applying knowledge from patent landscapes and public research to collaborative projects.

Requirements

• Knowledge of protein structure and function properties, polysaccharides, and fats within complex food matrix systems such as hydrocolloids, emulsions, foams, gels, etc.
• Application of enzymes and chemicals for proteins, oils, and polysaccharide modifications.
• Understanding of QA/QC, microbial safety, and sensory properties of proteins and food products.
• Know-how in methods to characterize plant proteins and its use thereof in food and beverage systems using analytical methods such as rheology, texture analysis, particle size, scanning electron microscopy, proteomics, CD/DSC, SDS-PAGE etc.,
• Broad view on plant-based food and beverage industry and markets, in-depth knowledge on products.
• Ph. D in food science, protein chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a master’s degree in the above fields, with 5+ years of relevant food industry experience, or a bachelors with 10+ years of relevant food industry experience.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights;
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work in a variety of temperatures and potential inclement weather.
• Ability to withstand extended periods of walking and standing.
• Ability to move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more, which requires bending and lifting.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as is compliant with policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in fast-paced lab environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines.
• Proactively approaches job duties and potential problems.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• May supervise 1 or 2 Research Assistants.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, execute protein extraction research from bench to pilot scale with goal of improving protein functionality with model food and beverage systems
• Generate ideas and convert them into successful experiments with the goal to generate them into intellectual property
• Actively collaborate with product development, process engineering, and analytics
• Bottom-up innovative methods for the design of plant protein isolation, purification and characterization process that will be future ingredients in MRS for our customers
• Data visualization and statistical analysis of experimental results as well as interpreting and communicating the findings of R&D team to the business unit
• Serve as a subject matter expert in plant protein research that can mentor and help develop internal talent
• Apply learning from patent landscape and public research to short, mid and long term in-house and external partner collaborative projects
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
• 401k with Company Match
• Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree