Principal Food Scientist - Alternative Proteins

Location: Lombard, IL

Summary: Executes R&D initiatives for the Global Alternative Protein Team, with a primary focus on breakthrough and proactive innovation. Enables product leadership in the Alternative Proteins category to align with the overall business strategy and long-range plan.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct cutting-edge research to develop innovative alternative protein solutions, aligning with Griffith Foods' business strategy and long-term goals. Independently plan, design, and execute experiments to drive technical excellence and contribute to breakthrough product development.
• Explore, evaluate, and implement novel ingredients and processing techniques, from bench to commercial scale, using detailed test plans to create disruptive products that meet evolving market demands.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in alternative protein technologies, providing guidance to internal teams on ingredient functionality, sensory attributes, and nutritional properties. Act as a technical consultant for ingredient selection and product development.
• Proactively identify new research areas and lead the development of high-value innovation products, ensuring they meet client needs and provide a competitive advantage in the alternative protein industry.
• Conduct thorough evaluations of product functionality, sensory characteristics, and nutrition, ensuring optimal ingredient performance. Plan and execute group product evaluations, using insights to guide project direction and enhance product outcomes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, commercialization, and category specialists, to support global innovations and disruptive R&D projects. Foster a culture of innovation by sharing research insights and driving continuous improvement within the Alternative Protein R&D Team.
• Analyze experimental and scale-up data to draw actionable conclusions, prepare detailed technical reports to document findings, assess progress, andrecommend improvements.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with clients, suppliers, academia, and industry stakeholders. Represent the R&D team in these engagements to support innovation efforts and explore collaborative opportunities.
• Ensure product formulations comply with safety, regulatory, and quality standards. Follow GLP and GMP practices, maintain accurate lab records, and ensure the confidentiality of proprietary information and data.
• Support the hiring, training, and development of summer interns and junior team members, fostering a growth-oriented environment within the organization.
• Stay current on advancements in alternative protein technologies through literature, conferences, and networking. Share knowledge with the Global and Regional R&D teams to enhance the organization's collective expertise in the alternative protein sector.
• Establish and manage technical partnerships with key ecosystem players, including academic institutions and research organizations, to drive collaborative research initiatives and advance Griffith Foods' innovation goals.
• Participate in project collaboration and knowledge exchange, with up to 30% travel as needed to ensure project success and foster global R&D integration.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field. A degree in the Alternate Protein field or experience in fermentation and cultivated meat space is highly preferred.
• Master's with a minimum of 8 years of Research & Product Development experience in the alternate protein food industry.
• PhD with a minimum of 6 years of Research & Product Development experience in the alternate protein food industry.
• Solid understanding of ingredient functionality, application and downstream processing techniques used in the commercialization of Alternative Protein consumer packaged goods.
• In-depth understanding of scientific/experimental process and good scientific practices.
• Exposure to commercialization of a range of food product formats and processes is highly desired.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with the capability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently set up and conduct experiments.
• Prior experience working with breakthrough innovation projects.
• Enthusiastic about innovation, developing and commercializing ideas under tight timelines.
• Travel up to 30%.

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