Senior Research Scientist

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

Reporting to the Manager R&D Europe and working at The Hershey Company's Technical Center, the Senior Research Scientist position provides project leadership on multiple medium complexity initiatives and/or beginning to lead a higher complexity initiative with support, for the European and Canadian markets. Complexity of a workstream can be increased through technical complexity, manufacturing complexity, speed to market, quantity of projects, and cross-functional support. This position focuses on executing across all workstreams. A medium to high level of autonomy for medium-complexity initiatives, or a low to medium level of autonomy for high-complexity initiatives, is required. A successful candidate adept at demonstrating and applying technical knowledge and expertise. This candidate can develop and share technical expertise within a functional area and cross-functionally within the organization, and has strong problem-solving skills & the ability to think critically. This candidate is proficient at communicating complex or technical subject matter, both written and verbal, to different audiences at different levels within the organization. This candidate is influencing customers and leveraging networks to provide solutions.

Specific Role Focus Area:
* Lead product development projects which provide innovative new products for the Canadian and European markets. The main activities include formulation development, ingredient development, product transformation interactions, and process development.
* Perform prototyping and development from bench top to pilot plant to full manufacturing scale.
* Interact closely with a cross-functional group of technical, professional, and managerial staff of R&D, as well as production, manufacturing alliances, engineering, and marketing.
* Understand the business impact of the projects.
* Apply technical rigor and scientific principles and practices.
* Provide input for technical feasibility for new product concepts.
* Partnering with Supply Chain and Manufacturing Alliances to provide technical support to drive quality and value improvement in products and process

This role will interact and partner with:
* Marketing
* Manufacturing / Manufacturing Alliances
* Engineering
* Quality and Regulatory
* Project Management / Business Development
* Technology Development

Approximately 30% travel required, primarily within Mexico, Canada, and Europe, but including occasional local travel.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:
* Experience leading innovation initiatives, which could include product development, quality improvement, cost improvement, technology validation, and process optimization.
* Demonstrated knowledge in confection and chocolate formulation and recipe development.
* Demonstrated experience in confection and chocolate process platforms (moulding, enrobing, panning).
* Strong knowledge of various technical disciplines (Sensory, Research, Engineering and Packaging)
* Knowledge of key steps in the development of capital projects, including commercialization, equipment selection, creation of TFD's, equipment acquisition, commissioning and start-up of process equipment and systems, and troubleshooting.
* Understanding of the impact of the key processing parameters in the conversion of raw ingredient and in-process material to finished product and critical for the day-to-day operation of a line.
* Demonstrated influencing skills
* Proven administrative ability, decision-making skills, financial understanding, business integration skills and technical expertise.
* Demonstrated problem solving and evaluation capabilities
* Excellent troubleshooting skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Must be open to and comfortable with change.
* The candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, growth-oriented, and complex international business environment.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
Education and Experience: PhD with 0-2 years experience, MS with 2-4 years experience, or BS in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or Biology with 4-6 years experience

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The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

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Nearest Major Market: Harrisburg

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