Senior Product Development Scientist - Milk Specialties Global

At Milk Specialties Global, our focus is to create high-quality ingredients designed to optimize health and nutrition. We are passionate and dedicated people. Each day, we collectively explore new, innovative ways to enhance product performance and value through our broad human and animal nutrition portfolios. The human nutrition division focuses on industry leading whey and milk protein isolates, concentrates, and hydrolysates. The animal nutrition division is a leading supplier of functional fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Both divisions are backed by the speed, execution and passion it takes to exceed the expectation of our customers. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well as a healthy 401(k) company match program.

Milk Specialties Global has an exciting opportunity available for a Senior Product Development Scientist in Eden Prairie, MN.

The Senior Product Development Scientist will lead the development work for our ingredient’s portfolio, enhancing our products and innovations within sports and health foods. The position will be an integral part of the Milk Specialties team, requiring collaboration with the rest of the R&D team, as well as other business functions including Sales, to advance business priorities.

The Senior Product Development Scientist will support product development projects through experimentation and formulation, leveraging knowledge of Milk Specialties’ ingredients portfolio; as well as addressing the technical fundamentals of dairy-based protein applications to address customer needs.  

Primary responsibilities include developing innovative products and solutions for use in; protein bars, ready-to-drink beverages, and novel applications, supporting the sales team with customer application and manufacturing needs, preparation of application samples, as well as providing technical support to both MSG and customer’s manufacturing facilities. The Scientist will also be involved with troubleshooting technical functionality and related issues with products, working closely with manufacturing sites to resolve any issues, as well as developing and implementing plans to avoid further issues. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:                                                                                                                

• Develop high protein and similar product solutions for sports and lifestyle nutrition markets
  • Conduct experimentation to support ingredient application and manufacturing process development efforts from early feasibility through launch.
  • Develop innovative concepts utilizing MSG’s portfolio ingredients and value-added products.
  • Create and communicate ingredient application brochures and technical guides
  • Present MSG ingredient innovations at seminars and conferences
  • Create and maintain effective documentation including technical plans, experimental design, labeling, and product specification creation.
  • Utilize project management tools to insure proper oversight and on-time delivery of results
• Provide technical support for our Sales team for product applications and raw materials
  • Work closely with sales and customers to improve customer understanding of MSG’s ingredient range functionality and how to use them
  • Visit customers and co-manufacturing plants as needed with sales team
  • Collaborate with marketing to create product brochures for sales team (communication)
  • Plan and carry out sales training
• Support internal R&D and Operations team as needed
  • Help on gold standard selection projects
  • Assist on sensory evaluation for critical customers
  • Approve invoices from universities, suppliers and trial facilities
• Manage product development technicians

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Dairy Manufacturing or Technology, Biological Sciences Chemical Engineering or related degree plus 5 years of commercial experience.
• Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Dairy Manufacturing, Chemical Engineering or related degree plus Two (2) years of experience in leading projects for the characterization and application of milk proteins for food or sports nutrition products, lab management in the area of sophisticated analysis technique and process analysis for the production of milk proteins, evaluating technologies designed to improve the quality of proteins, managing research and development operations to assist in business areas related to both production and sales.  
• Working knowledge of food science and processing principles including ingredient functionality and product/ process/ packaging interactions.
• Demonstrated problem identification and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Solid organizational skills and ability to manage numerous projects concurrently.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Attention to detail and executional excellence.
• Experience within the dairy industry, particularly dairy proteins preferred
• An understanding of FDA guidelines for nutrition and supplement facts preferred
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Genesis software is beneficial preferred
• Culinary experience and/or interest are a plus!