Research Development Food Scientist Jobs in Iowa

Kemin is seeking an innovative and commercially minded scientist to drive the development of next-generation palatant technologies and ingredient solutions for the pet food industry. This role will lead the design, execution, and interpretation of scientific experiments that support product innovation, commercialization, scale-up, and continuous improvement, while identifying emerging technologies and new opportunities to expand Kemin’s innovation capabilities. The ideal candidate is a curious, proactive, and collaborative technical professional who combines strong scientific expertise with a commercial-first mindset.

They will translate customer and market needs into differentiated technical solutions, work effectively across Marketing, Sales, Operations, Regulatory, Quality, suppliers, and customers, and communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Success in this role requires comfort with ambiguity, a willingness to challenge conventional thinking, calculated risk-taking, and the ability to adapt quickly as business priorities evolve.

This is an onsite-based position in the US. 

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet.

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

• Develop and evaluate next-generation palatant technologies using a wide range of scientific tools, analytical techniques, and creative problem-solving approaches.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments to support product innovation and commercialization.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Regulatory, and Quality teams to accelerate innovation.
• Engage proactively with suppliers and customers to identify unmet needs and translate market insights into technical solutions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to expand our innovation toolbox beyond existing capabilities.
• Support product scale-up, commercialization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Communicate project progress, technical findings, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property, scientific publications, and customer-facing technical presentations.

• M.S (with at least 3 years of industry experience) or Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Animal Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong background in Flavor Chemistry
• Experience leveraging statistical software packages (such as JMP, XLSTAT, SIMCA, Minitab) to generate actionable insights through ANOVA, Regression, Multivariate Data Analysis-PCA, Cluster Analysis, Factor Analysis, and OPLS-DA.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decisionmaking, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email TalentAcquisition.US@Kemin.com.

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

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