The Sr. Research Scientist will be tasked with becoming the product, technical category lead for Almond milk, Danone North America’s biggest plant based beverage base. The Scientist is responsible for developing holistically superior plant based beverages based on consumer and market understanding by collaborating with cross functional team members. The Scientist is also tasked with developing the formula & process, then ensuring smooth scale-up in the factory while validating post-launch success. The role encompasses leading product development programs across innovation, renovation, and productivity. This position involves strong interactions with internal cross-functional teams and external suppliers, hands-on bench and analytical work, pilot plant work, managing formula cost and specifications (ingredients and product & process), conducting and coordinating plant tests, and assisting in industrial scale-up. This position involves someone with strong technical curiosity and a willingness to learn and apply technical understandings around plant based beverages. The candidate must have strong timeline management and communication skills and must be able to represent R&I interests during all project and cross-functional interactions.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR:

• Learn the ins and outs of the almond milk ingredients, formulas and manufacturing process, becoming the go-to person for questions, concerns and initiatives involving almond milk
• Work within project teams as the R&I lead to develop formulas and processes, address technical hurdles, provide guidance related to commercialization, assess risks and manage R&I timelines
• Contribute to innovation, renovation and productivity pipeline outside chartered program work by engaging with the broader Denver/Boulder plant-based community, our suppliers, external partners and internal consumer insights team
• Design pilot trials (DOE), organize tasting sessions with Marketing, and draw conclusions and recommendations for next steps
• Manage multiple projects at once, at times with conflicting priorities and timelines
• Collaborate with suppliers to obtain best results for product development (brief suppliers and follow up on their progress)
• Participate in consumer test design, organize sample production and ensure product quality follow up.
• Realize scale up / industrialization with Engineering and Manufacturing departments and conduct shelf life studies
• Participate as an R&I representative for product launch/start up by preparing all specifications related to product line (except packaging) and ensure that all documentation needed is available prior to start up
• Plan, execute, and manage the development of prototype products in lab, pilot plant and at production facilities.  Maintain stringent technical and experimental documentation
• Source and maintain vendor relationships to secure the necessary ingredients that align with prevailing company standards. Evaluate new suppliers and/or ingredients
• Ensure all developed products meet internal and external guidelines for nutrition, regulatory affairs, and food labeling
• Become an internal subject matter expert for almond milk, providing solutions to challenging, technical projects
• Become a mentor for junior developers on the plant based beverage team
• Identify opportunities to improve ways of working, and recommend and implement solutions that could benefit the individual + team
• Network with Danone global R&I community to share best practices
• Develop technology and process-focused products
• Manage projects according to STAGE GATE PROCESS methodology

The base compensation range for this position is $110,000-165,000 commensurate with experience. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.