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Foremost Farms USA

Senior Food Scientist

Foremost Farms USA, Madison, Wisconsin, us, 53774


About UsForemost Farms USA, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is a world-class supplier of cheese, dairy products, and ingredients to national and international markets. As a dairy cooperative, we are owned by the 1,100 dairy farmers who supply our high-quality milk. Our flexible, diverse plant network allows us to manufacture products and ingredients that are most in-demand - and provide a strong, secure market for our member-owners' milk.We're looking for employees who challenge the status quo, innovate and aim for excellence. Because we're working to be the world's best -

to Be Foremost

- we'll bring out the best in you.About This Opportunity

JOB TITLE : Senior Food ScientistPOSITION TYPE : Full timeCLASSIFICATION : ExemptPosition OverviewThe Senior Scientist at Foremost Farms plays a key role in guiding product development for natural cheese and dairy products from conceptualization to commercial launch. They actively contribute to the organization's success by employing their problem-solving skills and scientific expertise to tackle project-specific technical challenges across processing, production, and laboratory settings.The successful Senior Scientist will have an innovative mindset, leveraging creative problem-solving skills and 'outside the box' thinking, experiment with new ideas and technologies and find unique approaches to solving challenges in the food industry.Key Accountabilities

Cross-functional project support:Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Sales, R&D, Continuous Improvement, Operations, Production Staff, and Quality Assurance, to coordinate product development activities, address technical challenges, and achieve project goals.Proactively communicate results, conclusions, and recommendations with key stakeholders.Maintain detailed records of research activities, experimental procedures, and test results, and prepare technical reports, specifications, and other documentation.Product Development:Develop new food products in the cheese and dairy space or improve existing ones by conducting research, creating formulations, and optimizing processing and production methods to meet consumer preferences and market demands.Prioritize food safety and quality at every stage of the product development process.Product and Process Technical Support:Optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality, consistency, and safety.Provide technical support to customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders by addressing inquiries, resolving technical issues, and sharing expertise on product formulation, processing, and quality assurance.Ingredient Evaluation:Evaluate the quality, functionality, and suitability of raw materials and ingredients for use in food production, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and quality standards.Help prepare and ship samples for customers and trade shows.Help maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.Help maintain inventory of material necessary for day-to-day operation of the lab.Other related duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications

A master's degree in food science, food technology, nutrition, chemistry, biology, or a related field or a bachelor's degree with 3+ years of progressive experience in dairy product development.A solid understanding of food science principles, including food chemistry, microbiology, food processing, food engineering, and food safety combined with strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.Proficiency in using computer software for data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical documentation purposes.A basic understanding of food regulations and safety standards, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).Knowledge of food labeling requirements and regulatory compliance.A deep understanding of the complexities of food composition, processing, and preservation.Preferred Qualifications

A master's degree in food science, food technology, nutrition, chemistry, biology, or a related field with 5+ years of progressive experience in dairy product development working with natural cheese.A demonstrated understanding of industrial-scale cheese manufacturing, protein chemistry, and fermentation in addition to a solid understanding of food science principles, including food chemistry, microbiology, food processing, and food safety combined with strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.Key Competencies

Demonstrate growth-oriented qualities by asking questions, being curious open-minded, agile, learning from failures and inspiring the same in others.Develop innovative solutions by bringing and supporting new ideas and thinking.Demonstrate agility and resilience with open mind, flexibility, and support of others in difficult situations.Demonstrate focused and disciplined execution by measuring performance toward goals and objectives.Communicate to share relevant information proactively and brings others along.Physical Setting

Job Setting: Corporate office, production floor, and laboratory needed. Travel up to 30% of the time.Benefits

Because you and your family matter, Foremost Farms offers some of the best benefits in the area! Our comprehensive medical plan includes health, vision, dental, and prescription insurance. You can choose to enroll in a single or family plan with low monthly premiums and low annual deductibles ($250/$500). Other benefits include:401(k) with a generous company contribution (100% match on up to 8% deferral)Paid time off, starting at 200 hours (25 days)10 Paid holidaysPaid parental leave (6 weeks paid at 100%)Flexible spending accounts - for medical and dependent care (childcare) expensesLife and disability insuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramReferral programAdvancement opportunities!Foremost Farms USA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants are selected without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin or ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran/military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristic under federal, state or local law.This job summary is intended to be brief and does not list all the duties for this position. Nothing in this job description should be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. Foremost Farms USA is an at-will employer, which means that either party is free to terminate the employment relationship at any time, without any advanced notice, for any reason or no reason.

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