Instinct Science Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Company Description: At Instinct®, our purpose is to feed the unspoken bonds between pets, their people, and the planet. As The FreshRaw Brand, we believe nothing is fresher than raw and that raw nutrition has the power to help pets live healthier, happier lives. Guided by our leadership capabilities — acting as Change Agents, driven by Consumer Obsession, and fueled by a Challenger Mindset — we’re redefining what’s possible in pet food and challenging the status quo to create a better future for pets, people, and the planet. From our St. Louis headquarters to our Center of Excellence Raw Food Kitchens in Lincoln, Nebraska, we’re united by a shared passion for making a meaningful difference through the power of raw.

Instinct® is part of the family-owned group, Agrolimen, who owns leading pet food and human food businesses in the US, China, Europe, and Africa.

Position Summary: As a Research amp; Development Associate Scientist, responsibilities involve scheduling and conducting plant trials, evaluating and giving feedback on product test runs, and the evaluation of new ingredients. Working with outside labs to submit samples for nutritional analysis, collecting, summarizing, and tracking data, and scheduling product testing with outside vendors. Work cross functionally to write specifications for new products, new raw materials, manage existing specifications, and lead management of change for product or specification changes.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Proactively manage cross functional interactions during the development and commercialization process
• Coordinate and manage test run process
• Data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting
• Responsible for all testing protocols including digestibility, palatability and chemical testing
• Establish routine stability studies
• Partner with procurement to search for alternative ingredients for new product development and cost optimization projects
• Develop ingredient and finished product specifications for all product forms
• Manage and update existing specifications
• Effective communication with all departments regarding changes with products or processes
• Understanding of food safety including SOP’s, GMP’s and HACCP requirements
• General knowledge of animal nutrition
• General knowledge of AAFCO requirements