Senior Research Scientist

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 begins 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 is required for medium‑complexity initiatives, and a low to medium level of autonomy for high‑complexity initiatives. The successful candidate demonstrates and applies technical knowledge and expertise, develops and shares technical expertise within a functional area and cross‑functionally, and possesses strong problem‑solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. The candidate communicates complex or technical subject matter, both written and verbal, to different audiences at different levels within the organization and influences customers and leverages networks to provide solutions. Specific Role Focus Area Lead product development projects that provide innovative new products for the Canadian and European markets, including 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, scientific principles, and practices. Provide input for technical feasibility of new product concepts. Partner with Supply Chain and Manufacturing Alliances to provide technical support that drives quality and value improvement in products and processes. 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, with 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 TFDs, equipment acquisition, commissioning, and start‑up of process equipment and systems, and troubleshooting. Understanding of the impact of key processing parameters in converting raw ingredients and in‑process material to finished product, critical for 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. Open to and comfortable with change. Ability 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 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. 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. The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer—Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans. #J-18808-Ljbffr