Research Scientist, Sweets & Refreshments

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Reporting to the Manager, Sweets & Refreshment R&D and working at the Technical Center in Hershey, PA, the Research Scientist position is assisting on high complexity initiatives, leading workstreams within larger initiatives, and/or leading low complexity initiatives with support. A low to medium level of autonomy is required depending upon the workstream. A successful candidate is learning how to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge while developing and sharing technical expertise within the functional area and cross functionally within the organization. This candidate is learning problem solving skills & the ability to think critically. This candidate is learning to communicate technical subject matter cross functionally and with management. This candidate is learning how to influence cross functional team members and how to build personal networks.

Specific Role Focus Area:

• Lead product development projects which provide innovative new products in the Sweets & Refreshments space. These areas include formulation development, ingredient development and product transformation interactions.
• Perform prototyping and development from bench top to pilot plant to full manufacturing scale.
• Interact closely with a cross-functional group of technical, professional, and managerial staff of R&D, as well as production, quality, sensory, regulatory, engineering, packaging, and marketing.
• Understand the business impact of the projects.
• Apply GMPs, technical rigor, scientific principles and practices.
• Provide input for technical feasibility for new product concepts.
• Partnering with Supply Chain to provide technical support to drive quality and value improvement in products and process.
• Lead ingredient shortage mitigation workstreams to minimize supply chain impacts to the business.

This role will interact and partner with:

• Marketing
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Quality and Regulatory
• Sensory and Consumer Insights
• Project Management
• Technology Development

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities for this role include:

• Experience leading innovation initiatives, which could include product development, quality improvement, cost improvement, technology validation and process optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technical knowledge and apply it during development and commercialization processes. Specific technical knowledge in sweets & refreshments (chewy sweets, high boiled sweets, and polyols) a plus.
• Knowledge of various technical disciplines (Sensory, Research, Engineering and Packaging)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, in addition to troubleshooting skills
• Proven administrative ability, decision-making skills, financial understanding, business integration skills, and technical expertise

Education and Experience Requirements:

• BS in Food Science, Chemisty, Bioligy, Chemical Engineering or other STEM degree or a minimum of 2-4urs of applicable experience

This role will require 25-40% domestic and potential international travel.

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The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.

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