Food Scientist I

Everyone on our Research & Innovation team shares a passion for innovation, new processes, new formulations, new packaging, and new ways of thinking. In joining this team, you will use your scientific and technologic expertise to bring health through food, meet the needs of consumers and nurture growth in the business. We are currently looking to hire a Food Scientist I based in Boise ID! The Food Scientist I is responsible for collaborating with cross functional teams to design winning baby and toddler foods based on consumer and market understanding. This position coordinates all steps of product development: starting from concept and design, to ensuring scale-up runs smoothly in factory, and concluding with post-launch follow-up. The role encompasses supporting and/or leading product development programs across innovation, renovation, and productivity. This position involves strong interactions with internal cross functional teams and external suppliers, hands on bench and analytical work, managing formula cost and specifications (ingredients and finished products), conducting and coordinating pilot plant trials and assisting in industrial scale-ups. The candidate must be able to represent R&I interests within the company during all projects and cross-functional interactions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Execute lower-complexity innovation and renovation projects according to the brief to achieve cost targets, nutritional profile, quality requirements, and desired organoleptic attributes of the target product. Manage all R&I project tasks utilizing stage gate methodology, and project milestones/timelines.

• Collaborate with internal cross-functional partners and external suppliers (including co-manufacturers) to identify and troubleshoot technical product development hurdles. These partners may include, but are not limited to: Project Management, Marketing, QFS, Regulatory, Scientific Affairs, and Operations teams.
• Design and lead bench trials, support industrial trials, create analytical reports, organize tasting sessions with R&I team and Marketing,
• Develop, organize, and document product shelf-life studies and tasting sessions. Analyze results to draw conclusions and communicate clear recommendations for next steps.
• Proactively identify ideas and research on new functional ingredients/technologies that can be used to drive future breakthrough innovations.
• Apply basic scientific principles and foundational product development concepts to projects. Analyze statistical and technical data while identifying trends that translate to the development of the product and finished good specifications.
• Support the creation, routing, and management of ingredient and finished good specifications to ensure high quality finished goods. Additionally, collect and maintain supporting supplementary documentation to the main specifications.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of US Food Labeling and National Organic Program Regulations and ensure product compliance with FDA and USDA requirements. Additionally, analyze nutritional content of developed products using Genesis ESHA program in collaboration with the regulatory team.
• Support lab space organization, equipment calibration, and regular cleanings. Ensure adequate lab food safety procedures are followed. Create samples for internal and external tastings.
• Provide technical support for customer service, production and QFS teams to identify and solve products related problems.
• Capture new processes and ways of working in SOPs and other written or verbal communication as needed.

The base compensation range for this position is $58,000-70,000 commensurate with experience. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science or closely related field preferred.
• 0- 3 years’ experience in food product development or closely related field.
• Technical understanding on product formulation, industrial processes and manufacturing practices, preferred knowledge and experience working on hot filled/retort product &/or extrusion.

• Strong project management/organization skills with particular attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and problem solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and show agility in pushing key R&I initiatives forward.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, basic quality testing and food safety issues
• Open-minded, passionate, self-driven, and creative team player with a strong growth mindset.
• Willing to travel up to 15%, to participate in R&I commercialization trials, productions, meetings, and conventions.
• Driver’s license required.

At Danone North America, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world like Activia, Silk, Horizon Organic, Two Good, Oikos, evian, and Happy Family. You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working together to make sure our brands create real benefits for people, communities, and the planet. We have 6,000+ employees across the U.S. and Canada. Come join our movement for a healthier world: One Planet. One Health BY YOU.

Danone North America doesn’t just welcome what makes you unique, we value it. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We recruit, employ, train and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic or any other protected status. Faithful to our values of openness and humanism, all of our employees share in the commitment to engage one another with dignity and respect. http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

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