Scientist, R&D -– Preservation – Ingredient Technology & Nutrition
Job Summary:
The Kraft Heinz Next Generation Ingredients R&D team is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our team in Glenview, IL. As a key member of our team, you will lead the discovery, development, and scale-up of new ingredient technologies related to food preservation, leveraging your technical expertise and hands-on laboratory experience. This role requires a strong technical background, intellectual curiosity, and excellent communication and collaboration skills. This is a great opportunity for a scientist excited about continuous learning and having an impact on the business today and the future.
Key Responsibilities:
· Discover novel microbial functionalities, especially in the areas of antimicrobials, build and maintain microbial biobanks
· Design, execute, summarize benchtop experiments and pilot plant trials, communicating results to technical and non-technical teams
· Apply scientific principles to new situations and products with moderate autonomy
· Evaluate ingredient functionality and process interactions in various food matrices, with a focus on microbial stability
· Develop testing parameters for new product concepts / new technologies across multiple categories while showing excitement and ability to learn about new product categories
· Maintain detailed documentation of experimental protocols and results
· Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Procurement, to drive projects from concept to commercialization
· Communicate with suppliers and external partners to drive innovation and growth
· Stay up to date on relevant research advancements and market trends
Requirements:
· BS in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related field
· Minimum 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a technical function outside of academic laboratory coursework and graduate research
· Experience with microbiology techniques such as aseptic technique, different plating methods and different types of media, serial dilutions, cell enumeration
· Experience cultivating microorganisms on petri plates and shake flasks as well as creating culture stocks, experience with differential media design is a plus
· Knowledge of food spoilage microorganisms, direct hands-on experience with these organisms is a plus
· Familiarity of microbiological models in the context of food safety is a plus
· Design of model systems for novel preservative testing is a plus
· Experience reading and analyzing academic literature, with the ability to apply scientific principles to new situations. Familiarity with reading patents and regulatory framework is also a plus
· Strong understanding of microbial functionality, ingredient interactions, and process/packaging relationships within food systems
· Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
· Experience with Design of Experiments, laboratory experimentation, and data analysis.
· Ability to analyze experimental data, recommend next steps, and communicate results to stakeholders
· Ability to prioritize and manage complexity, deal with ambiguity, and build strong relationships
· Experience with microbial characterization and evaluation of preservatives.
· Familiarity with food industry trends and technologies
· Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$77,800.00 - $97,300.00Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Glenview R&D CenterKraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.