Senior R&D Scientist, Consumer Innovation

Senior R&D Scientist, Consumer Innovation

We are seeking a visionary Senior R&D Scientist, Consumer Innovation to spearhead cutting-edge product development within our pet category, while providing strategic collaboration across our human food and beverage lines. This leadership role is designed for a high-level scientist who can bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial success. You will drive R&D initiatives, mentor a high-performing team, and turn complex research into market-leading products.

Location:

Muscatine, Iowa Category:
Research & Development / CPG Salary: $95-120K; DOE Benefits:
Full Benefits Relocation Assistance

• Design & Execute:
  Lead the innovative design and execution of research projects through comprehensive literature reviews and collaborative teamwork.
• Trend Analysis:
  Stay at the forefront of industry developments regarding ingredient functionality to identify new opportunities for expanding pet treats, and supplement portfolios.
• Experimental Leadership:
  Oversee experiments to develop and test new ingredients, analyzing performance and safety data for current and future pet product platforms.
• Concept to Commercialization:
  Provide technical leadership from initial concept through successful market launch, interfacing with production, quality, regulatory, and sales teams.

• Process Optimization:
  Lead the optimization, verification, and validation of new techniques and experimental studies.
• Data-Driven Problem Solving:
  Use sound scientific techniques to resolve challenges in development, commercialization, and ongoing production.
• Market Intelligence:
  Evaluate competitive products to identify market gaps and provide application recommendations for the current portfolio.
• Quality Support:
  Partner with operations to troubleshoot customer complaints, ingredient quality issues, and consumer feedback.

• Cross-Functional Partnership:
  Work closely with manufacturing, procurement, and quality control to ensure all ingredients meet strict product specifications.
• External Synergy:
  Collaborate with external suppliers and laboratories to extend internal research capabilities.
• Reporting:
  Deliver timely, accurate analytical results and technical reports to support business teams and resolve complex technical hurdles.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor of Science degree required (with 10+ years of experience); a Master of Science is highly preferred.
• Technical Expertise: 10+ years in an R&D role, ideally within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry.
• Leadership:
  Proven experience managing and engaging direct reports while fostering a culture of collaborative innovation.
• Scientific
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong competency in experimental design, statistical analysis, and the use of scientific instruments for measuring ingredient properties.
• Commercial Success: A documented track record of developing new ideas that led to successful commercialization.
• Industry Knowledge:
  Familiarity with quality control and formulation in the pet or food industry is a significant plus.