R&D Scientist

Job Title: R&D Scientist Department: R&DReports To: Director of R&DFLSA Status: Salaried ExemptSummaryThe R&D Scientist role involves close collaboration with plant operations, quality, and sales teams to develop a comprehensive understanding of production processes, products, and their customer applications. This position is responsible for performing laboratory processes such as interesterification, bleaching, and deodorizing of oils, as well as supporting product and method development projects. The R&D Scientist will work with the operations team to enhance and optimize existing processes while contributing to innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOperate laboratory processing equipment for interesterification, bleaching, and deodorization to determine plant parameters and prepare samples.Develop a thorough understanding of the vegetable oil products produced at the facility and their end-use applications.Provide technical expertise and guidance to assist in resolving customer concerns.Partner with plant operations to identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvement.Conduct research to stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and innovations in vegetable oil production.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and test new product formulations, troubleshoot production issues, and implement new processes.Maintain detailed records of all experiments, tests, and results.Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate research findings and recommendations.Provide technical training and guidance to ensure consistent adherence to process guidelines.Participate in cross-functional teams for new project implementation, process modifications, and facility expansions.Attend offsite training sessions and travel as needed.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesThis position has no supervisory responsibilities.QualificationsEducation and ExperienceBachelor's degree in chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field required.Minimum of 5 years of experience in a laboratory or production facility preferred.Strong knowledge of fats and oils testing methods and a thorough understanding of food processing technologies, equipment, and industry best practices preferred.Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to perform under pressure.Strong communication skills for effective collaboration across teams and to clearly convey technical information.Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for continuous learning and professional development.Language SkillsAbility to read, analyze, and interpret business publications, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations. Capable of writing reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation. Comfortable presenting information and responding to inquiries from managers, clients, customers, and the public.Physical DemandsThis is an active role that involves work in plant, laboratory, and office environments, with occasional travel required.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb stairs, use hands for typing and lab work, communicate verbally, and utilize the senses of taste and smell. Occasional activities include climbing or balancing (sometimes on top of product tanks approximately 60 feet high), stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.Specific vision requirements include close vision (correctable) for reading computer screens, lab instrumentation, and technical manuals.Work EnvironmentThe work environment includes laboratory, office, and plant settings. While performing job duties, the employee may occasionally be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in most work areas is typically moderate to quiet.