Principal Scientist, Co-Drying & Dry Blending
Description
General Purpose :
Responsible for the development of co-dried and dry blended dairy / dairy flavors for for food and dairy industries from concept / opportunity through commercialization (at the customer).
This person will be relied upon as an expert related to co-drying and dry blending including dairy science research, innovation, development, applications;
relating to new product / solution development; but also, for formulation cost-out opportunities, process improvements, new technology scouting.
Key driver of organic growth through monetization of the opportunity and innovation pipeline.
Job Duties and Responsibilities :
Specific to Strategy :
- Research dairy science, food science and equipment for the purpose of innovating new technologies and the development of intellectual property (IP) for DFA
- Develop new wet and dry dairy systems, dairy flavors, dairy emulsions and solutions using DFA’s plethora of ingredient options and manufacturing capabilities
- Utilizing DFA’s expansive drying (and dry blending) network and capabilities to enhance the value of DFA’s dried dairy products using a what can we do with what we have? mentality.
- Work with engineering and process technology to continuously expand DFA’s drying, dry blending, and agglomeration capabilities through discovery of new tech, equipment / process modification, and formulation
- Reformulate products as appropriate to reduce cost including building least cost / flexible formulation models encompassing of the fluctuation commodity markets and raw material availability
- Perform applications testing simulating the customer’s end-use to ensure the products developed exceed the customer’s expectations for taste, functionality, and nutrition
- Utilize sensory science tools, available in the Innovation Center, to give data points to the customer demonstrating expectations are met / exceeded
- Perform pilot plant testing to ensure a successful scale-up for DFA manufacturing and ultimately the end customer
- Drive the commercialization of new products by partnering with the process technology team in the plants
- Support the customer in scale up and commercialization to ensure DFA people and products are part of the scale up and launch
- Effectively operate all pilot plant equipment required to properly scale-up and test in application
- Develop effective concepts for benchtop sessions, in partnership with sales and marketing, to generate wins with customers
- Support sales in determining customer needs, problems, insights, and strategy that would ultimately require a DFA solution
- Proactively initiate action plans to develop the solutions and capabilities
- Inspire and excite customers through demonstration of unique new products and applications that are relevant to their consumers
- Partner with sales to understand customer’s future needs, their brands, and strategies to anticipate new areas of capability development and innovative ideas for end use categories
- Provide technical and applications expertise to support the customer
- Drive opportunities to commercialization internally and close with the customer
- Co-create and effectively utilize the product lifecycle management (PLM) process and adhere to the Scientific Development Standards Process, including version control, development notes and documented learnings
- Effectively utilize CRM ( as a tool to manage status of the opportunities, project milestones in the pipeline and track KPIs related to the opportunity pipeline continually improving our R&D service to customers, ultimately leading to faster speed-to-market driving increased customer connectivity.
- Collaborate with and influence technical sales, customer support and other stakeholders to solve for yes
- Contribute to technical content and review presentations for sales and marketing
- Provide effective, timely and relevant reporting to leadership
- Apply strong knowledge of the DFA’s capabilities including understanding the functional and technical aspects of the products and how DFA’s capabilities differentiate us from others in the industry
- Demonstrate a never stop learning mindset and influence others to adopt this mindset
- The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Other duties may be assigned as required
Requirements
Minimum Requirements :
Education and Experience
- Degree in food, dairy or biological science related discipline
- Masters or PHD desirable
- 8+ years of industry experience in R&D
- Proven career advancement in dairy flavors, natural, process and cheese sauces and products
- Demonstrated staff leadership attributes or staff management experience
- Proven successful track record in new product development with multiple examples of commercialized products / solutions directly or under your leadership
- Desired areas of expertise :
- Co-drying and dry blending combinations of dairy, dairy flavors, seasonings, flavors, colors, and other ingredients
- Seasoning and flavor development
- Agglomeration and instantization of powders
Dairy science Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Food safety programs and food safety by design
- Food regulatory & labeling laws including both : USDA & FDA
- Strong leadership and team building abilities
- Exceptional communication skills
- Ability to solve complex customer demands and problems
- Self-driven and committed to hands on work habits
- Ability to initiate, drive and adapt to change
- Ability to balance heavy workload and manage multiple tasks
- Must have the ability and capability to interact and communicate with the most senior levels of the organization
- Able to read, write, and speak English
Travel :
15%-25% (1-2 times per quarter)
An Equal Opportunity Employer