Associate Developer - Product; Research and Development

What You Will Do

The Associate Research and Development Scientist will support Product Development Scientists in executing projects by assisting in experiments, collecting and recording experimental data, and communicating results to the project lead through updates, product cuttings, and laboratory reports. This position requires strong organization skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks while contributing to broader project objectives.

• Support the management of multiple projects by assisting in planning, execution, and timely completion of assigned tasks under the guidance of senior team members.
• Demonstrate technical competence in supporting experimental work, testing protocols, and development activities for new or revised products.
• Assist in transitioning products or processes from development into production by ensuring documentation, data and procedures meet quality and regulatory expectations.
• Record, collate, evaluate, and interpret experimental data to support technical conclusions and recommendations.
• Prepare and conduct meeting updates, product cuttings, presentations, shelf‑life testing, and cost analysis for the project team.
• Participate in and support oral presentations and project meetings to share results, progress, and recommendations.
• Support and participate in in‑person plant trials.
• Effectively organize R&D lab and R&D plant areas, including cleaning equipment, inventory, and stocking of supplies, ingredients and finished products.
• Provide support to method development in on‑site benchtop and nutritional labs.
• Independently complete routine and moderately complex tasks while escalating issues, risks, or decisions as appropriate.
• Senior Product Development Scientist will serve as back‑up to this position.

• Support and operate standard lab equipment and techniques of moderate complexity.
• Support lab, pilot plant, or plant test runs.

• Complete assigned tasks and tabulate data for accuracy and trends.
• Effectively interact with cross‑functional project teams internally and externally through written and oral communications and maintain current understanding of overall project status.
• Support the R&D team to make significant individual contributions to deliver goals and execute project plans.

• May travel 0–25% of the time, dependent on project and development location, including, but not limited to, Arkansas and Pennsylvania.
• May be required to travel to training programs, test runs, to co‑packers, ingredient or equipment vendors, and/or other suppliers and testing facilities at odd hours.
• This position is required onsite, with flexibility as needed.

• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Basic understanding of cat and dog nutrition; advanced knowledge of AAFCO and FEDIAF regulations preferred.
• Ability to use standard lab equipment and conduct experimental procedures.
• Ability to perform standardized and routine assignments involving a sequence of related operations with minimal supervision.
• Computer skills with proficiency to construct moderately complex graphs and charts, record formulas, design presentations, and evaluate statistical analysis modules.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team and adapt to a dynamic work environment.
• Responds well to changing priorities and quick turnaround projects.
• Physically capable of handling or transporting goods up to 40 lbs.
• Able to work with fresh raw meats and other food ingredients.
• Must be able to withstand occasional cold temperatures (40° F).

• High School diploma or equivalent required;
  Bachelor’s degree or certification in an area related to Food Science, Nutrition or Animal Science preferred.
• Foundational understanding of meat and poultry science, meat microbiology, or pet food product development preferred.
• General laboratory experience required.

Competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life…