Principal Scientist

About the role

We are seeking an innovative and strategic Principal Scientist to drive the development of new products, processes, and ingredient solutions in the dairy and plant-based sectors. This role involves identifying and executing breakthrough technologies, conducting primary research in lab and pilot plant settings, and applying scientific problem-solving to enhance product quality and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the exploration and development of innovative technologies, ingredients, and processes that align with strategic business goals.
• Identify and secure resources—equipment, systems, ingredients, and talent—needed to advance innovation.
• Recognize and develop patentable products and processes through exploratory research.
• Initiate and conduct primary research on dairy & non-dairy ingredients and core products (milk, natural cheese, process cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, & other products).
• Leverages strong financial aptitude and expertise in dairy & non-dairy food components and commodity markets to identify product or process opportunities leading to optimizing component usage and profitability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop impactful new products and processes, while navigating complex internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly through reports and presentations to influence decision-making.
• Frequently conduct briefings to senior leaders both within and outside of department.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory standards, and competitor activity; serve as a key scientific and regulatory resource for the company.
• Build and maintain a strong network within academia, government, and industry to support innovation and compliance.
• Successfully negotiate complex and/or difficult situations involving internal and external customers with potentially high business risk or reward.
• Provide guidance, coaching and training to other employees across Schreiber within area of expertise.

Requirements

• MBA or Master’s degree in Food or Dairy Science, PhD is highly preferred
• 10+ years experience in industrial R&D with proven track record of dairy research, with ingredients, cheese products, plant-based products, and cultured products experience.
• Has a broad understanding of dairy food production processes and applies food/dairy chemistry to solve problems.
• Recognized as an industry subject matter expert in the areas of dairy chemistry and processing, and is sought out by others for mentoring, direction, and counsel.
• Demonstrates strong financial acumen and initiative in exploring, promoting, and implementing new initiatives to improve profitability.
• Has expertise and demonstrated results in formal/informal project team leadership.
• Has a good understanding of patent law and how to apply it for strategic initiatives and recommendations.
• Enjoys taking on new challenges and opportunities. Highly self-directed person and possesses proper level of judgment to review ideas/plans with leadership.
• Works very well with others to achieve project goals and significantly higher company profitability.
• Strong knowledge of formulations management tools.
• Ability to travel up to 15%