Senior Scientist - Color Innovation

Job Summary

Take the lead in managing and executing critical customer-focused projects related to Colors, while independently conducting applied research in Color Innovation. This work contributes to the advancement of new and improved applications knowledge, driving the development of innovative products, processes, and new business opportunities.

• Help identify and execute strategic application and customer opportunities.
• Serve as an independent investigator - planning, designing and conducting experiments and associated research activities directed to the identified, strategic application and customer opportunities.
• Works independently on assignments using knowledge and work experience. Proactively gathers input from colleagues to assist in attaining business objectives.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert with broad expertise in natural color pigments knowledge, formulation and applications in savory food, along with their use and potential in replacing artificial dies.
• Applies technical and functional knowledge to design experiments, and independently completes work within own project team, working on multiple sub‑projects in parallel.
• Best‑in‑class practices on documentation of experiments, and the use of Product Life Cycle Management (PLM) as well as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Preparation and dissemination of reports that describe research efforts, customer visits, and when appropriate, presentation of research results to scientific conferences, customers, Kalsec staff and/or other groups.
• Lead (Project Manager) product development activities through Stage‑Gate® and customer projects, as needed.
• To serve as a mentor to Junior Kalsec staff, including occasional leading, guiding and training of staff, student employees, interns, and/or others performing related work. Maintain up to date working knowledge of Kalsec’s policies, processes and manufacturing capabilities. May manage scientists, technicians, or interns.
• Application of extensive product knowledge and experience to troubleshooting product / process problems, investigating customer concerns, developing new processes as needed to meet customer specific needs, and recommendations for correction of non‑compliant materials.
• Use expertise in food science to leverage the use and applications of colors in a wide range of finished products.

Required: Master in Chemistry or related scientific discipline and 2-5 years of experience in natural colors, or equivalent combination of education and industrial experience, along with outstanding communications skills, understanding of business alignment and a drive for growth and development.

Desired: Proven track record in:

• Successful development and commercialization of natural colors formulations.
• Extensive natural colors applications knowledge, in at least a major savory food category such as meats, alternative protein, sauces, dressings, seasonings or snacks.

• Full lab and/or kitchen equipment including handling of hazardous materials.
• Computers and general office equipment.
• Operate color measurement instrumentation, rotary evaporators, lab centrifuges, motorized mortar and pestle and other grinders.
• Operate pilot plant equipment as needed (extractor, large scale rotary evaporator, pilot/large scale centrifuge, pilot scale still, etc.)

Laboratory environment; lifting and carrying bulk materials.

5-15%, domestic and occasionally international.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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