Sr Principal Scientist, R&D - Protein Chemist
$120,800–$151,000 year
Hybrid · Glenview, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Lead applied protein chemistry research to inform product design and process optimization across Kraft Heinz protein ingredients. Drive formulation and application work using dairy and meat proteins (with potential for plant-based proteins) in products such as sauces, snacks, desserts, cheese, and dairy/beef systems. Partner with Product Development, Process Engineering, Nutrition, Regulatory, and Marketing to support concept-through-commercialization. Evaluate new protein ingredients and technologies, conduct technology scouting, support scale-up/manufacturing, and prepare documentation for invention disclosures and patent considerations. Stay current on protein science, food regulations, and consumer trends to guide strategy and external collaborations. Manage experiments to characterize protein behavior under processing/storage conditions and maintain thorough documentation. Position is hybrid, based at Glenview, IL, with on-site and remote collaboration.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years relevant industry experience OR Master’s with 7+ years OR PhD with 6+ years in applied protein chemistry or food formulation
- Degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Dairy/Meat Science, or related field is highly preferred
- Fundamental understanding of protein structure and behavior in real food systems
- Experience with pilot plant trials, ingredient functionality testing, and cross-functional product development
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills
- Ability to collaborate with external partners and internal teams
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant industry experience OR Master’s with 7+ years OR PhD with 6+ years in applied protein chemistry or food formulation
- Degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Dairy/Meat Science, or related field highly preferred
- Strong understanding of protein functionality (emulsification, gelation, water binding)
- Experience with pilot plant trials, ingredient functionality testing, and cross-functional product development
- Experience establishing and leading collaborative research with outside partners
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to translate science into practical solutions
- Experience with patent-related activities (IDFs, patent landscape) or willingness to prepare invention disclosures
- Experience with scale-up and manufacturing support for protein ingredients
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and consumer trends in protein ingredients
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