Contractor Research Scientist, Chocolate Product Development

Overview:

TekWissen is a global workforce management provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan that offers strategic talent solutions to our clients world-wide.

Position: Contractor Research Scientist, Chocolate Product Development

Location: Hershey, PA, 17033

Duration: 9 Months

Job Type: Temporary Assignment

Work Type: Onsite

Job Description:

Main Duties:

• The Scientist within the Chocolate Product Development R&D Team is responsible for assisting other scientist on high complexity initiatives, leading workstreams within larger initiatives, and/or leading low complexity initiatives with support.

• A low to medium level of autonomy is required depending upon the workstream.

• He/she is responsible for maintaining compliance on all GMPs and all food and people safety protocols in the lab and pilot plant.

• Work may be performed independently or under minimal supervision and routinely involves repetitive tasks on a daily or weekly basis.

• The Scientist will be expected to create trial plans and test protocols, to write reports capturing results and conclusions, and to present findings and recommended next steps for further work.

• A strong understanding of principles of food chemistry and ingredient functionality is desirable.

• Successful candidate will work in partnership with scientists and engineers to create samples and prototypes using different technologies and methods.

• Scientist will also be responsible for learning to operate and maintain different pieces of R&D equipment and documenting procedures for set-up, operation, and cleaning of processing equipment.

• A successful candidate is learning how to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge while developing and sharing technical expertise within functional areas and cross functionally within the organization.

Typical Day:

• 60% Partnering with project leaders to prepare for and perform equipment trials, making samples using equipment and new technologies, and cleaning equipment

• 30% Developing trial protocols, entering data, analysis, documenting experiments, developing SOPs, and presenting / reporting results and conclusions to team.

• 10% Other administrative tasks, and training (online and hands on)

Top Three Technical Skills:

• 40% ability to prepare and execute trials on food equipment in pilot plant

• 30% ability to develop written documentation and/or communicate orally

• 30% ability to collaborate with partners on a cross functional team

Must Haves/ Recessions (i.e. years of experience):

• BS in Science/Engineering related field is desirable

• Food related work (specifically chocolate technology) experience is a plus

• Desire to work in the food industry

• Ability to travel for work outside of the area

• Ability to work overtime as needed

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Ability to develop and execute designed experiments on pilot scale equipment

• Well-developed oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to handle allergens including diary, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs and other food ingredient chemicals and allergens while wearing appropriate PPE.

• Experience with basic Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

• Ability to effectively plan and execute multiple priorities while being flexible and adaptive to change.

• General knowledge of food GMPs

Software Skills and Purpose (if applicable):

• MS Office Project

Industry Experience:

• Great to have experience in produce processing, food manufacturing, or research and development.

Team Size:

• Individual contributor will work closely with others and have individual work.

Work Environment:

• Labs, pilot plant, desk work, working meetings and manufacturing facilities for tests and trials.

What do you foresee as being the biggest challenge in this position:

• Collaboration with many different cross-functional team members with conflicting needs.

• Demonstrate and apply technical knowledge while developing and sharing technical expertise within functional areas and cross functionally in the organization

• Problem solving skills and ability to think critically

TekWissen Group is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.