Food Technologist

Responsibilities :



•  Comprehends the technical nuances of various raw materials and drafts specifications for new materials as well as reviews & updates existing specifications.
•  Develops prototypes to define food and financial objectives for PDR development as well as for consumer testing.
•  Maintains lab notebook with details of every experimental batch run in the lab and documents all project technical documents such as specifications, stability reports, and regulatory requirements for product approval.
• Determines critical ingredient specification parameters and communicate these to Quality. For new ingredients, has vendor complete consumer screening information request form. Gets ingredients approved in formulation prior to consumer testing.
•  Ensures that formula undergoes cost evaluation prior to consumer testing. Works with Procurement to determine ingredient availability/cost information
• Schedules and conducts plant trials and ensures availability of raw materials, resources and timing for pilot plant testing. Requests quotations and organizes payment to vendors following procedures.
• Sets up appropriate shelf life and sensory testing plans in accordance with the distribution requirements of the product. 
• Works with Quality and Nutritional Regulatory Affairs to identify potential allergen and safety issues. Ensures these are communicated as early as possible to the team. Also confirms that nutritional requirements are met.
•  Coordinates and or assists in the coordination of consumer sample production in pilot plant or manufacturing plant. Produces image plant food to field in consumer testing. 
• Submits consumer test samples for chemistry analysis to generate nutrition labeling information.
•  Supports BASES and Sales Sample production. Provides input to Nutritional Regulatory Affairs to generate nutritional information to ensure product labels are correct.
• Works with Packaging support personnel to coordinate testing as it relates to packaging material/food interactions, pack fit, and distribution.
• Assists Quality and Operations in establishing the “Image and Defect” Quality Manual and supporting process documentation.
•  Executes the startup plan, addressing start-up issues, and participating in general startup activity. Attends and support daily team meetings and food reviews during production startup.
• Works with Food Scientists and Technologists, Quality representative, and Plant to refine/optimize the process, rationalize COGS, and resolve quality issues. With Quality, provides start-up food samples for Image Panel review for release of food.
• Ensures food lab complies with all food safety requirements and monitoring programs (micro analysis, surface swabs, etc). The position is expected to be the R&D representative and main contact for all safety aspects related to the R&D kitchen/lab.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s (8-10 years min industrial R&D experience) / Master’s (5-7 years min Industrial R&T experience) in Food Science or Technology.
• English proficiency – both written and oral is must. Should be capable to maintain technical conversations.
• The incumbent must possess cost consciousness, communication skills, and diplomacy that will promote good relations with other technical and scientific disciplines in the effective execution of projects