Principal Scientist, R&D - Product Dev (Ingredient Technology)

Job Description
Principal Scientist , R&D - Product Development - Ingredient Technology
Job Summary:
The Kraft Heinz Next Generation Ingredients R&D team is seeking a highly motivated and experienced protein 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 product concepts and ingredient technologies, leveraging your deep technical expertise and food industry knowledge . This role requires a strong technical background, intellectual curiosity, and excellent communication and collaboration skills. This is a great opportunity for a technical expert that is looking to thrive in both the lab and business setting.
Key Responsibilities:

• Manage technical platforms, identify and lead ingredient technology development initiatives that could span plant, animal, and novel protein sources and related processing and ingredient interactions

• Identify future ingredient technology platforms and prioritize a research pathway that addresses new platforms to support different Kraft Heinz product categor y renovation and innovation initiatives . Work will span across North American portfolio.

• V alidate technology in model systems and applications at bench, pilot, and commercial scale . This includes developing proof of concept, prototypes, and conducting technology scale-up trials.

• Design and execute experimental plans to develop new protein-based ingredients and products . C onduct appropriate testing , gather and analyze data, develop recommendations, and assess risk based on findings.

• Build and interact in research collaboration programs with external ecosystem s including universities, research centers, and industry partners to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in protein research and technology.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, business units, R&D, procurement, finance, operations, quality, regulatory, and manufacturing, to progress company research and innovation initiatives.

Requirements:

• PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Dairy Science, Food Chemistry, or related fields.

• 3-5+ years of relevant food industry or related industry experience . O r MS in the above fields with 5+ years of relevant experience. Or BS is above fields with 10+ years of relevant experience .

• Strong technical background in protein chemistry, protein modification, and protein-based ingredient technology.

• Experience with protein-based ingredients, including plant-based proteins, animal-derived proteins, and novel protein sources.

• Strong understanding of protein characterization and protein-based ingredient interactions, including protein-protein interactions, protein-carbohydrate interactions, and protein-lipid interactions while utilizing corresponding analytical and modeling approaches

• Experience with other ingredient fundamentals and their interaction, specifically with proteins, dairy, and non-dairy, and/or enzymes.

• Strong understanding of food industry trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams. This includes collaborating and communicating with nontechnical teams and audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complexity, deal with ambiguity, and think creatively.

• Possess excellent industry external ecosystem, as well as experience setting up and conducting collaborative research externally.

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:
$102,100.00 - $127,600.00
Bonus: 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 Center
Kraft 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 [email protected] for assistance.