R&D Chemist

General Summary The R&D Chemist is responsible for the development of new products and the reformulation of current manufacturing processes to improve quality, production and financial efficiencies.  Creative and self-motivated, the R and D Chemist plays a key role in introducing novel ideas and techniques to the product development process – leading directly to improved commercial results.

 Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

 

1.  Research and develop creative and novel products - bringing them to commercial fruition.

 

2.  Utilize and maintain a range of laboratory and pilot-plant equipment (introducing new equipment and techniques where necessary) during the course of product development.

 

3.  Identify unique raw materials for the development of new distillates.

 

4.  Work with the Natural Products Manager in the planning of R&D priorities.

 

5.  Provide Natural Products Manager with ongoing and consistent communication of status of R&D efforts and commercial implications of R&D work.

 

6.  Participate in planning, monitoring and documentation of plant trials leading to successful commercialization of new products.

 

7.  Under the guidance of the Natural Products Manager, partner the Production Supervisor to determine, define and improve production efficiencies of new and existing products.

 

8.  Participate in sensory evaluation of R&D projects, new products, reformulations, ingredient substitutions, and competitive products.

 

9.  Maintain accurate records of lab work, and documentation of used ingredients, formulation modifications and provide statistical evaluations and reports.

 

10. Develop product and raw material specifications suitable for QA.

 

11. Research opportunities for the development and marketing of non-distillate products.

 

12. Stay abreast of current, worldwide R&D efforts and transfer new knowledge to product line.

 

13. Continually explore and identify ways to tailor products to appeal to untapped markets.

 

14.  Provide both technical and non-technical articles and reports for publication.

 

15. Cultivate sales opportunities with current customers and other industry contacts by building strong partnering relationships with key technical personnel in these organizations.

 

16. Participate in product demonstrations as needed.

 

17. Work with customers as needed on new product developments and reformulations.

 

18. Partner with sales team members to identify and analyze consumer market trends that might provide increased sales and product development opportunities.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 

1.  A proven independent worker with strong creativity and problem solving skills.

 

2.  An in-depth understanding of fundamental chemical principles.

 

3.  Demonstrate knowledge of regulations, policies, procedures and processes in food science and product development.

 

4.  Superior ability to research and analyze information and data to arrive at valid conclusions and plans of actions.

 

5.  Effective communication skills at all levels - both orally and in writing.

 

6.  Highly skilled in the use of various laboratory equipment and methodologies. Including: Gas chromatography, mass spectrometry  and other analytical measurement methods. 

 

7.Ability to use various spreadsheets, word-processing and database computer software

 

Required Education and Experience

BS in food science and 2-3 years lab experience. Must have strong GC and chemistry knowledge. Prior research and development experience strongly desired. Advance degree may be substituted for experience.