Principal Scientist

Job Description Responsible for the development of Wet/Liquid/Paste dairy systems and dairy flavors for food and dairy industries from concept/opportunity through commercialization (at the customer). This person will be relied upon as an expert related to dairy flavors and emulsions including dairy science research, innovation, development, applications; relating to new product/solution development; but also, for formulation cost-out opportunities, process improvements, new technology scouting. Key driver of organic growth through monetization of the opportunity and innovation pipeline. Job Duties and Responsibilities: + Research dairy science, food science and equipment for the purpose of innovating new technologies and the development of intellectual property (IP) for DFA + Develop new wet and dry dairy systems, dairy flavors, dairy emulsions and solutions using DFAu2019s plethora of ingredient options and manufacturing capabilities + Reformulate products and stream-line processes appropriate to reduce cost + Perform applications testing simulating the customeru2019s end use to ensure the products developed exceed the customeru2019s expectations for taste, functionality, and nutrition + Utilize sensory science tools, available in the Innovation Center, to give data points to the customer demonstrating expectations are met/exceeded + Perform pilot plant testing to ensure a successful scale-up for DFA manufacturing and ultimately the end customer + Drive the commercialization of new products by partnering with the process technology team in the plants + Support the customer in scale up and commercialization to ensure DFA people and products are part of the scale up and launch + Effectively operate pilot plant equipment, for new products, cheeses, flavors and emulsion systems development. + Develop effective concepts for benchtop sessions, in partnership with sales, to generate wins with customers + Support sales in determining customer needs, problems, insights, and strategy that would ultimately require a DFA solution. + Proactively initiate action plans to maintain, improve and develop the DFA solutions and capabilities + Inspire and excite DFA customers through demonstration of unique new products and applications that are relevant to their consumers + Partner with sales to understand customeru2019s future needs, their brands, and strategies to anticipate new areas of capability development and innovative ideas for end use categories + Provide technical and applications expertise to support the customer + Drive opportunities to commercialization internally and close with the customer + Co-create and effectively utilize the product lifecycle management (PLM) process and adhere to the Scientific Development Standards Process, including version control, development notes and documented learnings + Effectively utilize CRM () as a tool to manage status of the opportunities, project milestones in the pipeline and track KPIs related to the opportunity pipeline continually improving our R&D service to customers, ultimately leading to faster speed-to-market driving increased customer connectivity. + Collaborate with and influence technical sales, customer support and other stakeholders to u201csolve for yesu201d + Contribute to technical content and make and review presentations for commercialization activities + Provide effective, timely and relevant reporting to leadership + Apply strong knowledge of the DFAu2019s capabilities u2013 including understanding the functional and technical aspects of the products and how DFAu2019s capabilities differentiate us from others in the industry + Demonstrate a u201cnever stop learningu201d mindset and influence others to adopt this mindset + Active participation in commercial project review by offering guidance and mentorship + The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required Requirements Education and Experience + B.S. Degree in food, dairy or biological science related discipline + Masters or PHD desirable + 8+ years of industry experience in R&D + Proven career advancement in dairy flavors, natural, process and cheese sauces and products + Demonstrated staff leadership attributes or staff management experience + Proven successful track record in new product development with multiple examples of commercialized products/solutions directly or under your leadership + Desired areas of expertise: + Fermentation and enzyme modification of dairy products and ingredients for flavor and functionality improvement or development + Knowledge of flavor compounding utilizing paste and liquid flavor systems + Working and advanced knowledge of natural, processed cheeses and dairy saucesu2019 manufacturing + Excellent knowledge of dairy flavors application across the food and dairy industries and market segments + Ability to create paste, liquid and dry flavor formulations and products + Dairy science and Dairy Microbiology Knowledge, Skills and Abilities + Food safety programs and food safety by design + Food regulatory & labeling laws including both: USDA & FDA + Strong leadership and team building abilities + Exceptional communication skills + Ability to solve complex customer demands and problems + Self-driven and committed to hands on work habits + Ability to initiate, drive and adapt to change + Ability to balance heavy workload and manage multiple tasks + Must have the ability and capability to interact and communicate with the most senior levels of the organization + Able to read, write, and speak English Travel: + 15%-25% (1-2 times per quarter) An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

Created: 2025-12-05