Principal Scientist, R&D – Analytical Science

Overview

Principal Scientist, R&D – Analytical Science

This Principal Scientist position in the Food Engineering Division within Analytical Sciences is located at our Glenview, IL Kraft Heinz Innovation Center. This role focuses on leading the design of experiments, root cause analysis studies, and kinetics studies encompassing product quality and shelf-life testing. The position serves as the SME for analytical data processing, analysis and modelling to elucidate key business insights by leveraging advanced data application software, AI technology and statistical principles for R&D and field-to-shelf business decisions.

The role emphasizes cross-functional holistic problem solving with R&D, Product Development, Quality, Operations and Factory personnel to identify needs and develop competitive-edge capabilities advancing KH agenda for a wide range of leading food products.

• Will collaborate with internal clients including R&D, Product Development, Quality, Operations and Factory personnel.
• Will collaborate and represent KH when working with external professionals from accredited consortiums and universities.
• Will interact with instrument and software vendors, ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturing facilities and external lab partners.

• Highly skilled in design of experiments for complex food systems using techniques like Full Factorial, Fractional Factorial and Response Surface Methodologies.
• Apply statistical models with examples like Minitab, SAS, R, Python and MATLAB to food kinetic data to predict changes in quality and optimize processes.
• Deep knowledge around the fundamentals of kinetics such as substance structure–function, food matrix mechanisms and rates of reactions in areas such as enzymatic browning, lipid oxidation, discoloration, fermentation and others.
• Process and interpret data for R&D and cross-functional projects using approaches such as PCA, PLS and regression tree.
• Translate complex data or large data sets into effective data visualization and presentation using Tableau or other data visualization tools to deliver business insights to peers, senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate advanced analytical skills and hands-on experience with cutting-edge instrumentation such as GC-MS and LC-MS, including sample preparation, data acquisition, processing, statistical analysis and compound characterization in complex food systems.
• Apply analytical science knowledge in both hypothesis validation (targeted) and discovery-driven analysis (untargeted).
• Preferred qualifications include experience integrating multidisciplinary data (microbiology, chemistry, physics, sensory, omics such as metabolomics, glycomics, proteomics and lipidiomics) to draw big-picture conclusions that elevate R&D.
• Working knowledge of food manufacturing and packaging.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
• Communicate effectively and openly while working in a cross-functional team.
• Must be a self-starter and resourceful.
• Must be organized and process-oriented.
• Independently and collaboratively executing innovation, cost saving, process and product improvements throughout the KH portfolio.
• Identifying opportunities for competitive market advantage, which could include AI technologies, new cost-saving solutions or process enhancements.
• Provide consultation and technical oversight to ensure appropriate technical knowledge and discipline are applied and utilized.
• The successful candidate will directly or indirectly supervise technical professionals in assigned areas, while maintaining responsibility for own projects.
• The candidate will have significant impact on direction and quality of work done by other senior technical people.

• BS, MS or PhD degree in science, engineering or related fields with substantial years of applied industrial experience.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Travel: 0-20%.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and…