The Research Scientist’s primary responsibility will be to support research programs aimed at developing innovative solutions across all areas of Synergy’s business. This includes ingredient, product, and process optimization in the areas of flavor encapsulation, extraction and distillation of natural ingredients, taste modulation, product packaging, and others as needed. The goal of this work will be to support key strategic initiatives and drive commercial success. This will be accomplished by collaborating with members of the analytical, sensory, applications and flavor creation teams as well as international colleagues from Carbery and Synergy UK. The Research Scientist will be required to identify and engage with external research organizations and academic institutions who can add value to internal projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science, chemistry or a related field.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Support internal research programs as well as external research collaborations
- Perform trial work from benchtop to production scale-up in areas such as flavor encapsulation, distillation, extraction, taste modulation, packaging, etc. in response to business needs
- Work closely with cross-functional teams (flavor creation, applications, sensory & analytical chemistry) to achieve desired results
- Prepare research reports, present analysis of results, and support implementation of key findings
- Lead multiple projects independently in terms of planning, analysis and communication
- Support local and global strategic initiatives through development and implementation of trial plans
- Keep abreast of scientific advances in the areas of food science, flavor chemistry and processing technology and disseminate throughout organization
Required Skills and Experience:
- BS degree or higher in Food Science or related discipline. MS preferred
- 2+ years’ experience in food / flavor industry with practical application of scientific methods
- Experience with advanced analytical techniques desirable, i.e., gas & liquid chromatography
- Experience preparing trial plans, executing experimental work, analyzing data, preparing trial reports and disseminating findings
- Needs to show a high degree of proactive thinking and great organizational skills
- High level of communication skills: communicates clearly and concisely in both oral and written form
- Possesses excellent presentation skills, effectively translating analytical results into business drivers