Associate Scientist - Food Chemistry

Overview

Kemin Industries Food Technologies business unit is seeking an Associate Scientist to join our team of experienced researchers. The role focuses on developing new ingredients, establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), creating analytical methods and food models, and applying instrumental and organic chemistry to identify functional molecules, with an emphasis on natural sources. This position requires someone who can balance scientific rigor with creativity, connecting deep molecular understanding to practical, commercially viable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute chemical assays and food model testing for ingredient evaluation.
• Independently conduct innovative scientific experiments and translate research into practical applications.
• Perform pilot-plant operations to support process scale-up and optimization.
• Identify and deliver commercial viable solutions to customers.
• Communicate effectively and display cross-functional collaboration to drive successful product commercialization.
• Reliable and consistently deliver high-quality data and reports on time.
• Independently develop and review SOP's, research protocols and research methods; design safety procedures.
• Independently, perform advanced data analysis and review other's data to provide input and insight.
• Independently, collect, interpret and document research data.
• Generate scientific publications for internal and external publication, with guidance and review.
• Prepare and present data analytics and research in multiple formats both internally and externally.
• Review internal publication across Kemin.
• Identify and participate in external research collaborations.
• Contribute to strategic planning process and customer meetings.
• Provides instruction and training to interns and junior staff.

Qualifications

• PhD with 0-3 years experience.
• Must be able to work independently or on a team and have the ability to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong knowledge foundation in food chemistry (especially on polyphenols, phytochemicals, colorants, etc.), and hands-on lab experience in food and chemical analysis.
• Excellent scientific skills in experiment design and data collection, able to maintain instruments.
• Detail-oriented, organized, prioritization skills and motivated by accomplishment.
• Ability to understand and perform advanced statistical analysis.
• Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• Fully fluent in English. Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to present ideas effectively.
• Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).