Food Science Associate

About the role

The Food Science Associate works on the characterization of plant proteins and other food ingredients and supports development of plant-based food and beverage products.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility to elaborate approach and execute trials by being given general direction.
• Lead activities within cross-functional projects.
• Carry out experiments to characterize and evaluate functional properties of proteins and other food ingredients and validate performance in adequate model formulations.
• Develop and/or optimize characterization methods and model recipes based on literature and/or experience and write SOPs.
• Capture, analyze and present results to colleagues and stake holders.
• Support food and beverage product development on the kitchen and the pilot plant scale.
• Give technical support to commercial team and customers.
• Ensure all the results are reported in a quality and timely manner.
• Carry out basic troubleshooting of used equipment.
• Keep order and hygiene in all areas.
• Practice LDC’s safety standards at all times.
• Support innovation pipeline, business case development, and IP filings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, protein chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related field with 2+ years of experience.
• Alternatively, Associate in Science, Food Science and Technology or related field degree with 4+ years of relevant food industry experience.

Skills

• Data reporting and presentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines.
• Proactively approaches job duties and potential problems.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Laboratory etiquette & skills.

Education

Basic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in food science, protein chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related field with 2+ years of experience. Alternatively, Associate in Science, Food Science and Technology or related field degree with 4+ years of relevant food industry experience.

Equipment Used

• Laboratory research equipment: glassware, pipettes, pH meter, water bath, high-shear mixer, homogenizer, centrifuge, particle size analyzer, viscometer, rheometer, turbiscan, spectrophotometer, texture analyzer, kitchen appliances etc.
• Typical office equipment: PC, printer/scanner.

Working Conditions

• Time split between pilot plant, office and lab environments.
• There may be extended periods of sitting or standing at a computer screen or counter.
• Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and Company locations.
• Interacts closely with middle and senior management personnel.
• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage.
• 401k with Company Match.
• Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays.
• Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles).

Sustainability

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us.