Food Research Scientist

Job Description:The Scientist within the Sweets & Refreshment Product Development R&D Team is responsible for assisting other scientists on high complexity initiatives, leading workstreams within larger initiatives, and/or leading low complexity initiatives with support. A low to medium level of autonomy is required depending upon the workstream. She/he is responsible for maintaining compliance on all GMPs and all food and people safety protocols in the lab and pilot plant. Work may be performed independently or under minimal supervision and routinely involves repetitive tasks on a daily or weekly basis. The Scientist will be expected to create trial plans and test protocols, write reports capturing results and conclusions, and present findings and recommended next steps for further work. A strong understanding of principles of food chemistry and ingredient functionality is desirable. Successful candidates will work in partnership with scientists and engineers to create samples and prototypes using different technologies and methods. Scientist will also be responsible for learning to operate and maintain different pieces of lab and pilot plant equipment and documenting procedures for set-up, operation, and cleaning of processing equipment. A successful candidate learns how to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge while developing and sharing technical expertise within functional areas and cross functionally within the organization.Key Responsibilities:Ability to develop and execute designed experiments on pilot scale equipment.Well-developed oral and written communication skills.Ability to handle allergens including dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs and other food ingredient chemicals and allergens while wearing appropriate PPE. Experience with basic Microsoft programs, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.Ability to effectively plan and execute multiple priorities while being flexible and adaptive tochange.General knowledge of food GMPs.Top Three Technical Skills:40% ability to prepare and execute trials on food equipment in pilot plant30% ability to develop written documentation and/or communicate orally30% ability to collaborate with partners on a cross functional teamMust Haves:BS in Science/Engineering related field is desirableFood related work (specifically hard candy and gummies technology) experience is a plusDesire to work in the food industry and Hershey, PA areaAbility to travel for work outside of the Hershey, PA areaAbility to work overtime as neededAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.