Research Development Food Scientist Jobs in Michigan

Description: The Senior Food Scientist is responsible for applying scientific principles and providing technical expertise to cross-functional teams to develop innovative products from the concept phase through successful commercialization.

Work Environment: This job will utilize the R&D Lab in an office environment to create bench samples/formulations/documentation, while trials and new product start-ups are produced on the production floor. Food Scientists are expected to spend equal parts in the office as well as the production floor. Occasional travel is required.

Physical Demands:

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment
• Reaching overhead, above shoulders and horizontally
• Bending at the waist, kneeling, sitting, or crouching
• Ability to walk and stand-up during shift

Competencies:

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills to interact effectively with customers, regulatory agents, and company employees
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in analyzing complex data and interpreting results to drive product improvements
• Innovation: Ability to develop new food products from concept to commercialization.
• Project Management: Experience in managing projects, including resource planning and execution.
• Organization: Detailed and comprehensive Documentation and Record keeping

Core Responsibilities:

• Leading the develop of new products and product improvements in collaboration with customers and cross-functional teams
• Develop and maintain accurate records related to products, including formulas, production processes, ingredient documentation, and nutritional data.

• Research & Development
  • Coordinate and execute plant trials and prepare results for review.
  • Collect and maintain analytical and process settings for all R&D products.
  • Create product formulas and customer product specification sheets as it pertains to the finished product.
  • Perform packaging trials for foil film pillow pouches, cases, cartons and displays to ensure proper product to packaging fill.
  • Designs and conduct shelf-life studies, including product and package performance under various conditions and make recommendations for appropriate adjustment in product and/or package development.
  • Collaborate with Quality to develop testing parameters for product specifications.
  • Review production/quality paperwork for all skus to ensure accuracy of formula, vendors, specifications etc.
• Regulatory
  • Capability to make informed decisions based on data analysis and regulatory requirements
  • Ensure all activities comply with regulatory standards and prepare for audits
  • Collect ingredient documentation for new and existing vendors.
  • Create nutritional panels and ingredients statements through Genesis Software.
  • Review all film proofs to verify NFP's, Ingredient Statements and Claims are accurate.
  • Complete questionnaires, specification sheets, etc. per customer request.

• Customer Relations
  • Assist customers in answering questions pertaining to their products and the manufacturing process.
  • Collect and ship out customer requested samples as requested.
• Continuous Improvement

• Complete and/or assist in special projects around the facility as needed to aid in the continuous improvement of the production process, finished products, warehouse handling and storage, purchasing, etc.
• Provide technical expertise and leadership throughout the product development process.
• Conduct market analysis to identify consumer needs and trends.

• Other:
  • Follow and enforce all OSHA Safety Regulation and Safety Rules.
  • Utilize knowledge and research methods to benchmark materials, planning activities and to drive best practice results
  • Work towards and support a culture of continuous improvement and work to make business and department improvements wherever possible
  • Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
  • Participate in Quality and Food Safety Team Meetings

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Biology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Chemistry, (or equivalent)
• 5-7 years of in food science and related fields, preferably in a co-packing environment.
• In-depth knowledge of FDA regulations, HACCP, SSOP, SOP, GMP requirements, and food safety legislation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong Formulation and Mathematical Skills
• Comprehensive Sensory Testing's Requirements
• Effective communication in English language
• Strong Microsoft Excel Skills required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with various departments
• Ability to undertake complex analysis to create information and to interpret data and trends
• Proficiency in food-related regulatory requirements, statistical quality control, and food microbiology.