Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

Reporting to the Manager in Strategic Growth Platforms, Product Development and working at the Technical Center in Hershey, PA, the Research Scientist position is assisting on high complexity initiatives or leading workstreams within larger initiatives. This role will support all of the Strategic Growth Platforms group, with a focus on “Better for You” sugar confections. A low to medium level of autonomy is required depending upon the workstream. A successful candidate is learning how to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge while developing and sharing technical expertise within functional area and cross functionally within the organization. This candidate is learning problem solving skills & the ability to think critically. This candidate is learning to communicate technical subject matter cross functionally and with management. This candidate is learning how to influence cross functional team members and how to build personal networks.

This role will require up to 20% domestic travel.

Summary of major duties:
Project support: Assist with pilot plant scale up testing by preparing ingredients, packaging materials, and processing equipment, assisting with the equipment operation, collecting and tabulating data, and post test cleanup.
Project leadership: With minimal supervision, leads small projects or segments of larger projects. Manages timelines and deliverables, plans and executes experiments with autonomy, oversees temporary labor deliverables and coordination, manages communication of status and results to the team and supervisors.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

The candidate will ideally have knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), analytical techniques, chocolate, confectionary or snacks technologies, research methodology and experience in projects process. Candidates should be comfortable operating laboratory, pilot plant and plant equipment.

• Strong understanding of principles of food chemistry and ingredient functionality is desirable.
• Possess Operations/Manufacturing knowledge of sugar confections
• Familiar with the lot tracking system and ingredient ordering processes
• Familiarity with regulatory and standards compliance
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of chocolate and confectionery technology a plus
• Familiar with basic food science analytical techniques – pilot plant specific
• Familiar with the ingredient supplier landscape
• Familiar with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Ability to scale-up/plant test processes, specifically sugar confections
• Ability to collaborate across regions, departments, and all levels of the organization

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Education and Experience: BS in Food science, Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or GED/HSD with 5-8 years of related experience. Technical/professional certification preferred.

XGY-041523

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