Scientist II - Innovation

We make pet food taste great! For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people. Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide.

Job Description

Summary

This position is responsible for performing innovation technology development, hypothesis generation and data interpretation in support of AFB Internationals daily work and strategic projects. Primary areas of emphasis are in research and development, where the design and implementation of research projects, reporting of research results, and participation in a team-based product development model.

You are part of a global team inclusive of Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific thus a global mindset is must. Represents the organization via excellent written and oral formal and informal communication.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Pioneer new product concepts and technologies consistently every year to support Research and Development and the business.
• Develops research plan, designs experiments, outlines research procedures to be followed, and identifies and/or provides training to other support personnel to carry out research.
• Provides insight on feasibility of prospective projects, executes research utilizing laboratory, archives, and collections, and other sources of information, to collect, record, analyze, and evaluate facts
• Actively support the innovation stage gate process: brainstorming and ideation sessions, concept development, concept screening, feasibility and commercialization
• Continuously search for and vet advanced technologies that complement areas of strategic focus
• Serve as subject matter expert on the product line and provide support to manufacturing and the business with potential issues experienced during production scale up of technologies
• Prepares technical reports and presentations of completed projects for use in further research activities internally as well as for use in external presentations and publications
• Utilizes Regulatory partnership to drive compliant innovative solutions, understanding and articulating regional differences and implications thereof.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in food science, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, meat science, flavor science, nutrition or other related field is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possesses at least 5 years of relevant work as a scientist.
• Demonstrable experience with of food product manufacturing equipment including but not limited to meat grinders, canning equipment, extrusion machines, and dry blend equipment is highly desired.
• Experience working in a food or chemical manufacturing environment.
• Excellent English communication skills (written and oral) for diverse audiences
• Experience in the pet food industry is highly desired, but not required. A broad background in multiple sciences is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of food science and food engineering principles (ingredients, formulations, and equipment) to be able to develop technologies and execute trials from lab to manufacturing sites.
• Strength in defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Combines scientific insight with strong technical skills and business acumen
• Ability to maintain accurate records relating to research as they are planned, performed, and completed.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly, concisely, and understandably to technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Comfortable in dealing with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals.
• Effective in presenting information to team members, top management, and external stakeholders.
• Proficient skill level in MS Office Applications such as Word and Excel; as well as design experiments using DOE Stat Pro, Stat Ease to create formulas and recipes for testing

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must be able to follow the safety practices and procedures applicable to food research laboratory environments.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually noisy.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.