Research Scientist, Proteins

Job Description

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Plan, manage, execute protein extraction research from bench to pilot scale with goal of improving protein functionality with model food and beverage systems
• Generate ideas and convert them into successful experiments with the goal to generate them into intellectual property
• Actively collaborate with product development, process engineering, and analytics
• Bottom-up innovative methods for the design of plant protein isolation, purification and characterization process that will be future ingredients in MRS for our customers
• Data visualization and statistical analysis of experimental results as well as interpreting and communicating the findings of R&D team to the business unit
• Serve as a subject matter expert in plant protein research that can mentor and help develop internal talent
• Apply learning from patent landscape and public research to short, mid and long term in-house and external partner collaborative projects

Additional Responsibilities Functions

• Other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Experience

Basic qualification:

• Knowledge of protein structure and function properties, polysaccharides, and fats within complex food matrix systems such as hydrocolloids, emulsions, foams, gels, etc.
• Application of enzymes and chemicals for proteins, oils, and polysaccharide modifications.
• Understanding of QA/QC, microbial safety, and sensory properties of proteins and food products.
• Know-how in methods to characterize plant proteins and its use thereof in food and beverage systems using analytical methods such as rheology, texture analysis, particle size, scanning electron microscopy, proteomics, CD/DSC, SDS-PAGE etc.,
• Broad view on plant-based food and beverage industry and markets, in-depth knowledge on products.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

• Ph. D in food science, protein chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a master’s degree in the above fields, with 5+ years of relevant food industry experience, or a bachelors with 10+ years of relevant food industry experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Basic qualifications:

• This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time. 
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights; 
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work in a variety of temperatures and potential inclement weather.  
• Ability to withstand extended periods of walking and standing.
• Ability to move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more, which requires bending and lifting.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as is compliant with policies and procedures. 
• Ability to work in fast-paced lab environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines.
• Proactively approaches job duties and potential problems.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.

Additional Information

Safety, Health and Environmental Requirements

• This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more, which requires bending and lifting.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as is compliant with policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

• Time split between pilot plant, office and lab environments. There may be extended periods of sitting or standing at a computer screen or counter. 
• Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and Company locations.
• Interacts closely with middle and senior management personnel.
• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies.

Employee Supervision

• Based upon business needs, may supervise 1 or 2 Research Assistants.

Decision Making/Accountability

• Handle and report issues or questions as directed by Livermore facility Management.  Prioritizes personal workload throughout the day to ensure meeting of deadlines.

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us