R&D Associate Scientist – Process Design and Validation

dfa; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

DFA seeks an entry-level Research and Development Associate to perform foundational laboratory, pilot plant, and product development activities in support of process design, validation, and commercialization initiatives.

Under supervision, you will gain knowledge of dairy science, formulation principles, and related technologies while collaborating with team members to collect data, document observations, and support scale-up readiness.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, or another technical related field.
• Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, laboratory experience, or relevant work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform foundational laboratory, pilot plant, and product development activities
• Support product development projects through collaborative ideation and benchtop work
• Prepare formulations using approved Formulation Software
• Assist in process design and validation activities through benchtop, laboratory, and pilot plant execution
• Perform analytical, physical, and sensory testing to support development programs
• Update sample information and project status within Salesforce

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

Formulation Software

Salesforce

Job description

General Purpose

Perform foundational laboratory, pilot plant, and product development activities in support of process design, process validation, product development, and commercialization initiatives. Perform assigned technical work under guidance, while gaining knowledge of dairy science, product development processes, pilot plant operations, and commercialization practices.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Development

• Use provided tools and resources to assist with research activities for assigned projects
• Support product development projects through collaborative ideation, iterative benchtop work, and hands-on technical execution following established methods and procedures
• Develop an understanding of dairy ingredients, formulation principles, and related technologies through training and collaboration with team members, literature, and other resources
• Collect and record technical observations, results, and project data for review by project team members

Product Development and Validation

• Prepare formulations using approved Formulation Software and supporting development systems under guidance
• Support process design and validation activities through benchtop, laboratory, and pilot plant execution.
• Assist in evaluating formulation performance during pilot plant and manufacturing trials and document key observations
• Assist in preparing trial documentation, pilot manufacturing instructions, and process information needed for scale-up readiness
• Perform analytical, physical, and sensory testing according to established procedures to support development and validation programs
• Support commercialization readiness through pilot trials, validation work, sample production, technical documentation, and data generation.

Pilot Plant Operations

• Safely operate, sanitize, troubleshoot, and maintain pilot plant and laboratory equipment.
• Participate in clean-up schedules for the laboratory and pilot plant with support from Product Development Scientists and other team members.
• Monitor and maintain calibration of laboratory and analytical equipment.
• Maintain GMPs throughout the facility and comply with all required safety procedures and required personal protective equipment for all tasks.

Inventory Maintenance

• Assist in maintaining inventories of raw ingredients needed for laboratory production.
• Maintain stock item inventories and raw material ingredient inventories required for sample requests.
• Support organization, readiness, and availability of ingredients, consumables, and finished products for R&D work.

Sample Program Administration

• Fulfill customer and internal sample requests as needed
• Update sample information and project status within Salesforce
• Support customer visits, demonstrations, application preparation, and sample preparation activities.

Teamwork, Collaboration, and Continuous Improvement

• Assist with laboratory and pilot plant improvement activities
• Participate in sensory panels and support data entry activities as required.
• Contribute ideas for innovation, technology development, process improvements, product improvements, and capability development.
• Maintain safe working conditions and follow all DFA safety, GMP, quality, regulatory, food safety, and sanitation policies and procedures; report nonconformities
• Participate in training programs designed to expand technical and business knowledge, including Safety, GMP, and GLP.
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, or another technical related field.
• Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, laboratory experience, or relevant work experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of food science, dairy science, laboratory practices, or related technical disciplines.
• Ability to learn laboratory, pilot plant, and product development procedures.
• Ability to follow established technical methods, procedures, and instructions.
• Ability to accurately collect, record, and organize technical data.
• Ability to learn formulation software and supporting R&D systems.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and seek guidance when needed.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to communicate with various departments in a professional manner (Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Operations, Product Development, and plant employees)
• Ability to support cross-functional commercialization, validation, scale-up, and sample production activities under guidance from Scientists and Sr. Scientists
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans