Principal Scientist, R&D – Analytical Science

ABOUT

This Principal Scientist position in the Food EngineeringDivision within Analytical Sciences is located at our Glenview, IL Kraft Heinz Innovation Center.This is an ideal opportunity for a scientist passionate about leading the design of experiments, root cause analysis studies, and kinetics studies encompassing, but not limited to, product quality and shelf-lifetesting. This position will also serve as the SME foranalytical (example: linking chemistry and sensory) data processing, analysis and modelling to elucidate key business insights byleveraging advanced data application software, AI technology and statistical principlesfor R&D and field-to-shelf business decisions.The position emphasizes cross-functional holistic problem solving with R&D, Product Development, Quality, Operations and Factory personnel to identify needs and develop competitive-edge capabilities advancing KH agendafor a wide range of leading food products.

RELATIONSHIPS (EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL):

• Will collaborate with internal clients including R&D, Product Development, Quality, Operations and Factory personnel.

• Will collaborate and represent KHwell when working with external professionals from accredited consortiums and universities

• Will interact with instrument and software vendors, ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturing facilities and external lab partners.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Highly skilled in design of experiment forcomplex food systems using techniques like Full Factorial, Fractional Factorial and Response Surface Methodologies.

• Applystatistical models with examples like Minitab, SAS, R, Pythonand MATLAB to food kinetic data to predict changes in quality and optimize processes

• Deep knowledge aroundthe fundamentals of kinetics such as substance structure-function, food matrix mechanisms and rates of reactions in the areas of enzymatic browning, lipid oxidation, discoloration,fermentationand others.

• Process and interpret data for R&D and cross-functional projects effectively using approaches such as PCA, PLS and regression tree

• Translate complex data or large data set into effective data visualization and presentation using Tableau or other data visualization tools to deliver business insights to peers, senior leaders and stakeholders.

• Demonstrate advanced analytical skills and hands-on experience using cutting-edgeinstrumentations such GC-MS and LC-MS. This involves expertise in the entire workflow, from sample preparation and data acquisition to processing, statistical analysis, and compoundcharacterization in complex food systems.

• Apply analytical science knowledge and experience in both hypothesis validation (targeted) and discovery-driven analysis (untargeted).

• Preferred qualifications include: the experience to integrate multidisciplinary data such as microbiology,chemistry, physics, sensory, o-mics (metabolomics, glycomics, proteomics, and lipidomics) to draw big picture conclusions critical to elevate R&D

working knowledge of food manufacturing and packaging

• Demonstrate critical thinking skills

• Communicate effectively and openly while working in a cross-functional team

• Must be a self-starter and resourceful 

• Must be organized, process orientated

• Independently and collaboratively executing innovation, cost saving, process and product improvementsthroughout KH portfolio. 

• Identifying opportunities for competitive market advantage, which could include AI technologies, new cost saving solutions or process enhancements. 

• Provideconsultation and technical oversight to ensure that an appropriate level of technical knowledge and discipline are being applied and utilized. 

• The successful candidate will directly or indirectly supervise technical professionals in assigned areas, while maintaining responsibility for own projects. 

• The candidate will have significant impact on direction and quality of work done by other senior technical people. 

Education and Experience:

• BS, MS or PhD degree in science, engineering and relatedfields with substantial years of applied industrial experience.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal & project management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• TRAVEL: 0-20%