Principal Scientist

Principal Scientist

Buffalo, NY, US, 14213

This role is a subject matter expert within the Global Toppings, Creamers, and Culinary Solutions (TCCS) Center of Excellence under the Research, Innovation, and Compliance (RIC) organization. The Principal Scientist leads global, cross‑functional initiatives to advance capabilities in fats and oils, emulsions, oleogels, and hydrogels focusing on their physical, chemical, and functional properties, as well as analytical methods for quality and safety assessment.

By driving technology platforms and scalable product solutions, the role enables new revenue streams, accelerates time‑to‑market, ensures compliance with global food safety standards, and supports the 2030 Vision. Responsibilities also include mentoring global teams and fostering technical excellence.

This role is based in Buffalo, NY, with expected travel of up to 30%.

Innovation and Product Design

Lead global initiatives in fats, oils, and emulsion technologies to deliver innovative, scalable product solutions aligned with business growth objectives.

Identify and champion new platforms and technologies addressing consumer trends, sustainability goals, and market dynamics, leveraging expertise in fats and oils processing, functionality, and analytical testing.

Track emerging trends on alternative fat and oil sources and blends, emulsifiers, oleogels, hydrogels, clean‑label formulations, digital manufacturing, and precision fermentation to inform long‑term strategies and innovation roadmaps.

Convert insights into actionable innovation by partnering with Marketing, Procurement, Food Safety, Quality Assurance (FSQA), Sales, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure technical feasibility and commercial viability.

Drive cross‑functional collaboration to balance technical feasibility, cost efficiency, and market relevance.

Technical Capability Building

Enhance global technical capabilities through targeted training, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.

Analyze global quality metrics, customer and consumer feedback, and non‑conformance trends to drive continuous improvement.

Develop global standards, ingredient specifications, and testing methodologies, while staying ahead of evolving regulations and industry best practices.

Technology Development & Intellectual Property Management

Drive development of new product platforms through advanced scientific and technological innovation.

Partner with Legal to define and execute IP strategies for proprietary fats and oils technologies including but not limited to emulsifiers, emulsions, oleogels and hydrogels.

Perform patent landscaping and competitive benchmarking to identify white space and strengthen innovation protection.

Lead invention disclosures and patent filings for novel processes, alternative fat and oil and emulsifier ingredients, and formulations.

Ensure global IP alignment across joint ventures, external partners, and internal teams to safeguard Rich Products’ innovation pipeline, enhance competitive advantage, and support long‑term category growth.

Category Leadership & Strategy

Provide technical guidance and strategic direction to RIC Innovation teams and Business Units.

Implement global technical strategies on fats and oils and emulsions to protect and grow the category.

Support Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activities through technical due diligence and capability assessments.

Internal & External Collaboration

Build strong partnerships across Marketing, Procurement, Sales, Operations, and other RIC Centers of Excellence to drive innovative solutions.

Represent Rich Products at external scientific and research forums to showcase leadership in fats, oils, and emulsion technologies.

Deliver technical training in local markets and support global talent development.

Leadership & Organizational Development

Mentor cross‑functional teams in design thinking, agile methodologies, and innovation best practices to accelerate product development.

Contribute to organizational design and process improvements that enhance R&D efficiency and collaboration.

Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning across global…