Sr. Research Investigator/ Sensory Scientist

Specific field or training requiredExperience in training and maintaining a sensory profiling panel and industry standard consumer testing methodologies, statistical analysis of sensory data and associated data from other sources. ExperienceExperience in sensory analysis of food materials is essential; experience in analytical chemistry, method development and product development are desirable. Experience in successfully managing collaborative relationships at work e.g. between functions, with customers or co-suppliers would be an advantage.Job AccountabilitiesAccountable for ensuring standards of quality that meet or exceed customer expectations by adhering to strict testing protocols that have been validated for accuracy & reliability. Ensures compliance with DuPont safety and security policies. Manage relationships with Sensory Scientists within and outside of Solae, including groups at customers and external research collaborators. Some travel also required.Functional Competencies" Technical/Functional Expertise- Has broadened perspective and technical understanding to point that he/she is entrusted to guide tasks of greater scope than one person can accomplish. Has solid technical roots, without having stayed a narrow specialist. Provides valued technical ideas and advice to other team members to initiate and complete significant projects. (Stage 3)" Gets Results- Consistent contributor. Shows a sense of responsibility and urgency toward goal accomplishment. Is results versus activity oriented. Has a reputation with the immediate organization and major clients as someone who gets thing done well and on time. (Stage 2)" Innovation & Risk/Change Orientation- Creates a work environment and sets an example that fosters innovation. Willing to make decisions, render judgments, take action, or make commitments. Recognizes and celebrates individual and team venturing and achievement. Champions valuable new products and processes. (Stage 3)" Planning & Organizing- Establishes sound courses of action for self and/or others to accomplish specific goals. Anticipates barriers and plans for contingencies. Projects appropriate assignments of personnel and allocation of resources for carrying out the plan. Establishes realistic timetables. (Stage 3)Role Competencies" Communication- Places high value on communication, actively informing up down, and laterally. Brings information into the team which enhances the team's ability to solve problems. Leads others to do the same. (Stage 3)" Influence/Negotiation- Able to sell self and Ideas. Expresses a point of view effectively at all levels; poised; self-confident. Seeks "win/win" solutions; is usually able to resolve conflict without alienating others; not concerned with "turf". (Stage 2) " Customer Focus- Thinks and acts with customers in mind. Establishes and maintains credibility and trust with customers/internal partners by producing high quality products or services; responding to complaints; going out of way to insure that customer is satisfied. (Stage 2)

Bachelors Degree in Biological, Chemical, Food Science or related field Bachelors Degree in Biological, Chemical, Food Science or related field with eight (8) years of closely scientific experience; two (2) years of which as may be gained at the next lower level of this series Bachelors Degree in Biological, Chemical, Food Science or related field with eight (8) years of scientific experience in related field requiredMasters Degree in Biological, Chemical, Food Science or related field with seven (7) years of scientific experience in related fieldMasters Degree with Thesis in Biological, Chemical, Food Science or related field with five (6) years of scientific experience in related fieldPh.D. with four (4) years of scientific experience in related fieldDesired: Masters Degree or BS plus 7-10 years in Sensory with proven track recordKnowledge of (1) Theories, principles, methods and procedures of applicable field of science (Expert level)Sensory Science, with experience in Sensory Descriptive Profiling(2) Mathematics and statistics (Basic level); (3) MS Office package (Extensive level)Ability to (1) Coordinate the activities of others involved in project/research activities; (2) Execute Six Sigma methodology (Green Belt required); (3) Work independently and among cross-functional teams; (4) Design and manage projects; (5) Apply knowledge in a practical industry environmentSkills in (1) Collecting, processing and recording research data accurately; (2) Communicating effectively verbally and in writing (emphasis on documentation of research methods, results and conclusions); (3) Developing creative solutions; (4) Organization and management of multiple projects

Typical duties of a Sr. Research Investigator include:1. Design and develop plans, proposals, and/or systems to initiate new products and/or improve manufacturability of existing products2. May deliver technical papers and presentations to external customers/contacts3. Provide information, consulting support and advisement to external customers/contacts.Sr. Research Investigator job duties and accountabilities also include the Research Investigator job duties and accountabilities:1. Receive instructions on specific assignment objectives.2. Apply Scientific Method to provide solutions
Participate in the development of work-plans for conducting an experiment or series of experiments
Analyze all technical aspects of projects and recommend methods and techniques to be used and principles to be applied
Troubleshoot issues as they arise
Perform analyses and interpret test results, form conclusions on experiments conducted
Write comprehensive experimental reports
3. Supervise the performance of research; assign and/or coordinate work.4. Prepare and present technical papers and presentations for internal customers/contacts.5. Provide guidance to staff to improve research skills and to increase their understanding of techniques and procedures utilized.6. Remain current with relevant scientific literature.7. Adhere to all safety and quality requirements; enhance site safetySpecific Job Duties1. Serve as sensory technical consultant/coordinator on assigned project teams. Assist team members in the development of program research objectives, and business impact. Define sensory objectives and recommend testing strategy to support program objectives. Attend team meetings; regularly review progress and plans. (40%)2. Work with sensory staff and panelists to carry out appropriate sensory tests to industry standards. Develop and recommend new test methodologies to incorporate where needed to improve product understanding. Analyze sensory data and write comprehensive reports for project leaders detailing results and conclusions. Communication of results and interpretation to project leader verbally or in writing. Recommend panelist training where needed to ensure accuracy/precision. (30%)3. Provide professional guidance to staff to improve research skills and increase their understanding of techniques and procedures utilized; may instruct personnel in more advanced aspects of research/ data interpretation. Provide sensory consultancy where needed in dealing with customers and co-suppliers. (20%)4. Assist in management of sensory facility to ensure a safe environment is maintained, efficient use of staff time, financial resources. (10%)

The Solae Company offers a compensation and benefits package for regular full-service employees that contain flexible options and are highly competitive with similar industry leaders. Coverage for a number of benefits is effective the first day an employee reports to work. As an employee you can not only select plans and coverage for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, but also secure your financial future with savings investment and retirement plans. Since The Solae Company values people and their development, we also provide tuition reimbursement and an Employee Assistance Program.

Current Solae Company benefits include:
Health and Welfare Plans. Short-Term Disability Plan. Long-Term Disability Plan. Life Insurance. Savings Investment Plan. Retirement Plan. Vision Plan. Flexible Spending Plans. Employee Assistance Program. Paid-Time Off Program. Tuition Assistance Program. Paid Holidays. Work/Life Practices.

The Solae Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.