Senior R&D Scientist, CPG

Sr. R&D Scientist: Consumer Innovation

Location: Muscatine, Iowa

Category: Research & Development / CPG

Salary: $95-120K; DOE

Benefits: Full Benefits

Relocation Assistance

Role Overview

We are seeking a visionary Senior R&D Scientist, Consumer Innovation to spearhead cutting-edge product development within our pet category, while providing strategic collaboration across our human food and beverage lines.

This leadership role is designed for a high-level scientist who can bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial success. You will drive R&D initiatives, mentor a high-performing team, and turn complex research into market-leading products.

Duties & Responsibilities

Innovation & Product Development

• Design & Execute: Lead the innovative design and execution of research projects through comprehensive literature reviews and collaborative teamwork.
• Trend Analysis: Stay at the forefront of industry developments regarding ingredient functionality to identify new opportunities for expanding pet treats, and supplement portfolios.
• Experimental Leadership: Oversee experiments to develop and test new ingredients, analyzing performance and safety data for current and future pet product platforms.
• Concept to Commercialization: Provide technical leadership from initial concept through successful market launch, interfacing with production, quality, regulatory, and sales teams.

Technical Strategy & Troubleshooting

• Process Optimization: Lead the optimization, verification, and validation of new techniques and experimental studies.
• Data-Driven Problem Solving: Use sound scientific techniques to resolve challenges in development, commercialization, and ongoing production.
• Market Intelligence: Evaluate competitive products to identify market gaps and provide application recommendations for the current portfolio.
• Quality Support: Partner with operations to troubleshoot customer complaints, ingredient quality issues, and consumer feedback.

Collaboration & Management

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with manufacturing, procurement, and quality control to ensure all ingredients meet strict product specifications.
• External Synergy: Collaborate with external suppliers and laboratories to extend internal research capabilities.
• Reporting: Deliver timely, accurate analytical results and technical reports to support business teams and resolve complex technical hurdles.

Education, Experience & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree required (with 10+ years of experience); a Master of Science is highly preferred.
• Technical Expertise: 10+ years in an R&D role, ideally within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry.
• Leadership: Proven experience managing and engaging direct reports while fostering a culture of collaborative innovation.
• Scientific Skills: Strong competency in experimental design, statistical analysis, and the use of scientific instruments for measuring ingredient properties.
• Commercial Success: A documented track record of developing new ideas that led to successful commercialization.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with quality control and formulation in the pet or food industry is a significant plus.