Research Scientist
$95,000–$120,000 year
On-siteChicago, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Conduct mechanistic research and root-cause investigations by mapping critical quality attributes on the manufacturing floor and in QA labs. Design research plans to validate mechanisms behind product stability, age-gelation, and flavor kinetics, then test solutions from bench-top prototypes through commercial-scale trials. Evaluate and develop new analytical methods for rheology, particle size, and volatile profiling, while drafting SOPs and training operational teams across all sites. Partner with Product Development and Operations to optimize formulation and processing choices, identifying opportunities to improve yield, thermal efficiency, and shelf life. Mentor junior team members and build a small team as workstreams expand. This role bridges fundamental molecular science with large-scale manufacturing to unlock next-generation RTD protein products.
Required Qualifications
- MSc or PhD in Dairy Science, Food Science, Food Engineering, or a closely related field, with a distinct academic focus on physical chemistry or advanced processing
- 1-3 (PhD) or 2-5 (MSc) years of progressive experience in dairy/food research, spanning laboratory bench work and pilot plant scale-up
- Deep understanding of the interactions between proteins, fats, enzymes, and minerals during manufacturing processing, under thermal stress and during shelf-life
- Proven hands-on competence with rheology, chromatographic methods, particle size, and compositional analyses
- Exceptional capability in authoring rigorous technical reports, white papers, or peer-reviewed documentation
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Desired Qualifications
- Comprehensive understanding of applied dairy chemistry
- Intimate familiarity with end-to-end fluid milk operations (separation, standardization, membrane filtration, homogenization, and UHT/aseptic processing)
- Direct experience with commercial aseptic systems and product-packaging interactions (e.g., PET barrier integrity, closures)
- A proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional root-cause investigations (e.g., solving oxidation defects, fouling reduction, or severe shelf-life failures)
- Familiarity with the regulatory framework governing dairy processing, functional ingredients, and stabilizers
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