Lead Scientist, Advanced Particle Technology

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Lead Scientist, Advanced Particle Technology to join our Research & Development team. This role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who thrives on developing cutting-edge products and processes within the food, beverage, nutraceutical, and animal nutrition industries. If you have a passion for solving complex technical challenges and leading projects from ideation to commercialization, this is the opportunity for you.

Position Summary

This role is a key member of a dynamic R&D group, focusing on the development of new microencapsulated, agglomerated, and granulated products and processes. The Lead Scientist will work at the critical intersection of R&D and various other departments, including manufacturing, quality, and sales. You will be responsible for leading and managing multiple technical projects, conducting experiments at lab and pilot scale, and executing plant trials. This is a strategic and tactical position that requires a highly resourceful individual who is comfortable working in a diverse range of environments, including office, lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects as a Technical Project Leader, managing the entire lifecycle from concept to commercialization.

• Design and execute technical experiments, analyze data, and effectively report findings to key stakeholders.

• Act as a Project Manager for cross-functional teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.

• Actively contribute to new product ideation and innovation.

• Lead efforts in product formulation, process development, and quality specification.

• Collaborate with various internal teams to develop new solutions and troubleshoot existing product and process issues.

• Conduct hands-on pilot-scale trials and support scale-up to commercial production, which may require flexibility in hours.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation for all project work, supporting potential patent filings.

• Ensure all work adheres to safety protocols and regulatory requirements, including GMPs.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical field is required.

• 7-10 years of industrial experience in process or product development with a strong emphasis on agglomeration and micro-encapsulation technologies is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in Project Management within a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and influencing skills.

• Highly self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.

• Knowledge of food and dietary supplement GMPs is preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft applications is required; experience with Minitab, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Six Sigma is a plus.

Work Details

• Job Type: Full-time, on-site. No remote work available for this role.

• Location: Faribault, Minnesota area.

• Travel: Up to 10-20% travel to other sites may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: The salary for this position is competitive and will be discussed with qualified candidates.

• Relocation: A competitive relocation package is available and will be provided for the ideal candidate.

• Bonus: The role is eligible for a competitive signing bonus.

• Benefits: Full benefits package provided.

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Lead Scientist, Advanced Particle Technology to join our Research & Development team. This role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who thrives on developing cutting-edge products and processes within the food, beverage, nutraceutical, and animal nutrition industries. If you have a passion for solving complex technical challenges and leading projects from ideation to commercialization, this is the opportunity for you.

Position Summary

This role is a key member of a dynamic R&D group, focusing on the development of new microencapsulated, agglomerated, and granulated products and processes. The Lead Scientist will work at the critical intersection of R&D and various other departments, including manufacturing, quality, and sales. You will be responsible for leading and managing multiple technical projects, conducting experiments at lab and pilot scale, and executing plant trials. This is a strategic and tactical position that requires a highly resourceful individual who is comfortable working in a diverse range of environments, including office, lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects as a Technical Project Leader, managing the entire lifecycle from concept to commercialization.

• Design and execute technical experiments, analyze data, and effectively report findings to key stakeholders.

• Act as a Project Manager for cross-functional teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.

• Actively contribute to new product ideation and innovation.

• Lead efforts in product formulation, process development, and quality specification.

• Collaborate with various internal teams to develop new solutions and troubleshoot existing product and process issues.

• Conduct hands-on pilot-scale trials and support scale-up to commercial production, which may require flexibility in hours.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation for all project work, supporting potential patent filings.

• Ensure all work adheres to safety protocols and regulatory requirements, including GMPs.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical field is required.

• 7-10 years of industrial experience in process or product development with a strong emphasis on agglomeration and micro-encapsulation technologies is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in Project Management within a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and influencing skills.

• Highly self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.

• Knowledge of food and dietary supplement GMPs is preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft applications is required; experience with Minitab, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Six Sigma is a plus.

Work Details

• Job Type: Full-time, on-site. No remote work available for this role.

• Location: Faribault, Minnesota area.

• Travel: Up to 10-20% travel to other sites may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: The salary for this position is competitive and will be discussed with qualified candidates.

• Relocation: A competitive relocation package is available and will be provided for the ideal candidate.

• Bonus: The role is eligible for a competitive signing bonus.

• Benefits: Full benefits package provided.