Sr. Scientist at Land O'Lakes

Arden Hills, Minnesota, United States

Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Dairy, Food & BeverageIndustries

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field
8 or more years of experience in the food industry, specifically in product development or processing, with proven ability to lead complex projects independently
Demonstrated customer-facing experience and ability to influence technical and business decisions
Expertise in dairy systems, spray drying, and cheese powder formulation
Strong understanding of product development lifecycle, process optimization, and applied research principles
Ability to manage ambiguity and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
Ability to travel up to 20%
On-site presence in Arden Hills a minimum of 4 days per week

Own formulation development for spray-dried dairy powders and seasonings, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with customer needs
Lead and propose strategic projects of significant complexity and impact, driving innovation in spray-dried powders and seasonings
Serve as a primary technical consultant for internal teams and external customers, influencing decisions and shaping development strategies
Apply advanced dairy technology and food science principles, leveraging cross-disciplinary knowledge to create innovative solutions
Design and execute robust experimental plans (DOE) and interpret data using advanced statistical tools
Provide technology thought leadership, sharing insights and mentoring others to build organizational capability
Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Manufacturing to ensure seamless commercialization
Represent R&D and the business in customer visits and plant trials, demonstrating professionalism and strategic influence
Drive continuous improvement in formulation and process design, proactively identifying opportunities for efficiency and capability building