Senior Manager, Sweetener Research Scientist

Role Overview

The Sr. Manager, Sweetener Research is a critical role with Flavor & Ingredient Research and Application (FIRA) function and Sweetener Research, Development and Application Team. This role will monitor and utilize modern tools for sweetener discovery, research, and development for next generation sweeteners. The role will leverage expertise in in-silico discovery, organic chemistry, sensory science and biochemistry to identify, evaluate, and commercialize new sweetener molecules and systems to deliver super taste and ensure our license to win.

• Build/enhance a robust process for sweetener discovery and research and make recommendations on development candidates for novel sweeteners.
• Work with team members to accelerate sweetener discovery and research with all the latest tools including AI/ML in-silico screening, SAR modeling, in vitro screening, and validation, etc.
• Contribute to sweetener discovery strategy.
• Interpretate the screening results and make recommendations for lead optimization.
• Develop and align candidate sourcing strategy.
• Source internally and externally candidate compounds for in‑vitro and sensory validation.
• Identify and lead external CROs or joint development partners.

• Influence the future research agenda on sweetener systems to meet consumer, customer, and regulation needs, drive short‑, mid‑, and long‑term growth and ensure our license to operate.
• Influence industry, academia, and research institutes to develop relevant technologies and tools (including AI/ML tools) to further scientific advances.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across FIRA and RTE to align strategy and execution on sweetener discovery and research.
• Partner and influence external stakeholders, including suppliers, universities, and technology partners for joint‑development and contract research.

• Influence & Business Acumen:
  Ability to influence strategic stakeholders internally and externally on strategic research agenda and partnership.
• Agile Innovator:
  Comfortable taking calculated risks and pivoting based on science‑led opportunities.
• Connector:
  Strong ability to bring stakeholders together across functions, geographies, and disciplines.

• PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or related fields.
• 8+ years of industrial experience in the field of Discovery or development of Molecules of Biological Interest or food ingredients
• Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by the ability to positively influence within and outside the organization.
• Track record of delivering business results.
• Strong technical influencing skills, leadership, and growth behaviors
• Knowledgeable of latest AI/ML and molecular discovery technologies and tools.

• Strong technical background in Medicinal/Organic Chemistry chemistry/complex carbohydrate chemistry/peptide chemistry as evidenced by proven track record of discovering novel drugs/sweeteners via publications and patents.
• Strong technical expertise in discovery of bio‑actives using structure‑activity relationship
• Strong background to functionalize and characterize these ingredients including synthesis, purification and structure elucidation of biologically interesting compounds using a variety of chromatography and spectroscopic techniques.
• Requires ability to collaborate externally and internally with global Research & Innovation scientists.
• The candidate must be able to work independently and have excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Leads peers, scientifically, by combining sound judgment, strong initiative, and thorough methodology.

• Documentation, communication, and Project Management skills– The Candidate must demonstrate the ability to provide a high level of traceable and consistent documentation of all simulation activities. Must be able to communicate objectives, strategy, and results to a large mix of technical and non‑technical audiences. Must be able to communicate and document results and connections to business plans and project objectives. Must be able to work with CROs…