Senior Food Application Scientist

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Balchem is committed to making the world a healthier place by delivering trusted innovative and science-based solutions for the health and nutritional needs of the world. Balchem employs approximately 1400 employees worldwide who provide the service quality and technology that enables our customers to win with their customers. We have built a reputation for delivering results to all of our stakeholders. Founded in 1967 Balchem a Maryland corporation became a publicly-traded company in 1970 and is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BCPC. Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale New Jersey and we have a broad network of sales offices manufacturing sites and R&D centers primarily located in the U.S. and Europe. The Company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition and Health Animal Nutrition and Health and Specialty Products.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Food Scientist position within the Applications R&D team will leverage scientific training and industrial experience to find technical solutions to manufacturing challenges in the bakery space by applying scientific rigor to address known issues. This role is expected to tackle projects with significant technical complexity ensuring diligence in the development scale-up and commercialization of innovative products that deliver on business goals.

The position requires a strong ability to work cross-functionally to set goals and timetables drive innovation and support commercialization efforts. Additionally this individual will support execution of local and global strategies and business initiatives while providing technical expertise to internal and external customers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead and champion a culture of safety across all activities.
• Optimize and validate functional performance shelf life and sensory properties of baked goods including bread muffins cookies cakes rolls and tortillas by conducting product testing (both analytical and sensory) and by reviewing and analyzing the resulting data.
• Lead multiple complex projects while ensuring timeliness accuracy and alignment with customer and business goals.
• Collaborate with the commercial team and other R&D teams to translate unmet consumer needs into actionable scientific and technological insights in both domestic and international markets
• Design and execute experiments to create technical application data supporting the businesss commercial strategy.
• Exhibit conceptual creative and analytic problem solving the ability to break down complex issues and simplify by focusing on what matters.
• Provide technical support to customers sales teams and internal departments on products and technologies.
• Collaborate with Marketing Sales Operations Quality Regulatory and other R&D teams to achieve cross-functional business objectives that may include cost reduction initiatives production efficiencies and quality improvements.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and developments in bakery products fostering strong relationships with customers research institutions and industry organizations.
• Serve as a technical expert solving broader business issues through science and technology strategies.
• Develop new product ideas and concepts for demos and tradeshows in multiple applications (bakery confectionary etc) with an emphasis on incorporation of Balchem ingredients in new and unique ways that align with current trends.
• Support and mentor other scientists within the R&D organization.
• Deliver written and oral reports on project status experimental results and technical recommendations.
• Take an independent and disciplined approach to organizing work activity prioritizing tasks and analysis; seek out additional projects and activities to drive the business forward
• Ensure the integrity of the R&D laboratory through accurate record-keeping test design and adherence to sanitary practices.
• Ensure high standards of food safety hygiene and sanitation working with quality and regulatory teams as needed to ensure compliance to food safety requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors Degree in Food Science Culinology Baking or other related scientific field with 8 years of relevant manufacturing experience.
• Industrial baking experience is required including a strong understanding of the commercial manufacturing of baked goods (breads rolls tortillas cakes/muffins and cookies) and the associated processes (mixing baking proofing etc).
• Strong understanding of GMP HAACP FDA regulations and sanitation procedures.
• Advanced problem solving data analysis and evaluation skills.
• Ability to learn new categories quickly navigate in a complex fast-paced business environment and manage and prioritize multiple projects while delivering high-quality results.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with industry trends and innovations.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with a demonstrated history of delivering high-quality results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing Operations and Manufacturing Quality and Regulatory) and Senior Management.
• Proficiency with computer software including MS Office (Excel Word PowerPoint Outlook).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work involves the use of typical food science lab equipment computers and instrumentation.
• Some extended periods of working on your feet in the lab pilot and manufacturing plant.
• May be required to lift and carry large boxes or bags and the work environment may occasionally be noisy wet slippery and subject to temperature variations.
• Some business travel by automobile bus train and/or plane may be required.

#IN

Balchem is committed to a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity inclusion equal employment opportunities and a work environment free of harassment and hostility.