Food Scientist

Central Garden & Pet Company’s Nylabone - Pet Segment located in Neptune City, NJ is searching for a Food Scientist I. As the Food Scientist I, you will be responsible for conducting Research and Product Development activities on consumable pet chew products for Nylabone products. Bringing key skills and knowledge in new product ideas, this position requires processing concepts from idea to commercialization, spearheading new technology development and its application to extruded and injection molded products.

• Collaborate with sales, marketing and regulatory in developing product concepts.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality and Regulatory to commercialize products, develop product specifications; arrange for guaranteed analysis.
• Review packaging proof for package weight, ingredients, guarantee analysis, claims and participate in package review process.
• Source raw materials based on requirements.
• Develop formulas and prototypes.
• Conduct analytical tests, shelf‑life studies and clinical trials for prototypes.
• Define product specifications to uphold product quality, physical and chemical characteristics, etc.
• Compile documentation needed for compliance with applicable regulations and company policies.
• Conduct product testing to ensure product safety, quality and regulatory compliance is met.
• Identify and develop manufacturing process continuous improvements for efficiency and product quality.
  
  Ensure best practices are being followed in compliance with regulations and company policies.
• Keep current, identify, and communicate to management pet food industry trends and the impact to the business.

• B.S. or higher degree in Food Science or related discipline.
• Familiar with FDA, USDA, AFFCO and related regulations.
• Experience using Design of Experiments, statistical analysis, and ability to interpret results.
• Must be detail oriented, organized, and strong communication skills.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Free Life and Short‑Term Disability Insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401k with a 3% company match and annual profit‑sharing bonus.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounts on Pet supplies, cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more.
• Education Assistance. (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with a cash bonus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.