Sr. R&D Scientist: Consumer Innovation
Location: Muscatine, Iowa
Category: Research & Development / CPG
Salary: $95-120K; DOE
Benefits: Full Benefits
Relocation Assistance
Role Overview
We are seeking a visionary Senior R&D Scientist, Consumer Innovation to spearhead cutting-edge product development within our pet category, while providing strategic collaboration across our human food and beverage lines.
This leadership role is designed for a high-level scientist who can bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial success. You will drive R&D initiatives, mentor a high-performing team, and turn complex research into market-leading products.
Duties & Responsibilities
Innovation & Product Development
Design & Execute: Lead the innovative design and execution of research projects through comprehensive literature reviews and collaborative teamwork.
Trend Analysis: Stay at the forefront of industry developments regarding ingredient functionality to identify new opportunities for expanding pet treats, and supplement portfolios.
Experimental Leadership: Oversee experiments to develop and test new ingredients, analyzing performance and safety data for current and future pet product platforms.
Concept to Commercialization: Provide technical leadership from initial concept through successful market launch, interfacing with production, quality, regulatory, and sales teams.
Technical Strategy & Troubleshooting
Process Optimization: Lead the optimization, verification, and validation of new techniques and experimental studies.
Data-Driven Problem Solving: Use sound scientific techniques to resolve challenges in development, commercialization, and ongoing production.
Market Intelligence: Evaluate competitive products to identify market gaps and provide application recommendations for the current portfolio.
Quality Support: Partner with operations to troubleshoot customer complaints, ingredient quality issues, and consumer feedback.
Collaboration & Management
Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with manufacturing, procurement, and quality control to ensure all ingredients meet strict product specifications.
External Synergy: Collaborate with external suppliers and laboratories to extend internal research capabilities.
Reporting: Deliver timely, accurate analytical results and technical reports to support business teams and resolve complex technical hurdles.
Education, Experience & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor of Science degree required (with 10+ years of experience); a Master of Science is highly preferred.
Technical Expertise: 10+ years in an R&D role, ideally within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry.
Leadership: Proven experience managing and engaging direct reports while fostering a culture of collaborative innovation.
Scientific Skills: Strong competency in experimental design, statistical analysis, and the use of scientific instruments for measuring ingredient properties.
Commercial Success: A documented track record of developing new ideas that led to successful commercialization.
Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with quality control and formulation in the pet or food industry is a significant plus.
P1
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Why Kelly ® Science & Clinical?
Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it's the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.
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