Lipid Scientist

over 3 years ago
Full time role
El Segundo, CA, US... more
El Segundo, CA, US... more

Company

At Beyond Meat, we believe there is a better way to feed the planet. Our mission is to create The ...

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Job Description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
At Beyond Meat, we started with simple questions. Why do you need an animal to create meat? Why can’t you build meat directly from plants? Thus, we make plant-based meats that allow families to eat more, not less, of the traditional dishes they love while feeling great about the health, sustainability, and animal welfare benefits of plant protein. Our goal is to bring exciting change to the plate—and Beyond.
OVERVIEW
The Lipid Scientist will use scientific principles and expertise, and a broad range of advanced technologies and industrial tools for achieving company goals. This successful, self-motivated, creative, team-oriented, resourceful, adaptable, and results-oriented individual will have familiarity, as well as hands on expertise, in processes related to dry fractionation, controlled crystallization, and refining of edible oils and will be able to lead in their area of expertise. The candidate will also have working knowledge of the phase behavior, calorimetric properties, and characterization techniques of edible oils. Knowledge of plant fibers and plant-based biopolymers is a plus, so is an understanding of green chemistry. The Lipid Scientist will have a keen understanding and extensive hands-on experience with the ability to think beyond standard methods, independently lead and reach conclusions, and clearly deliver results within a matrix organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead oil refining, lipid fractionation, and controlled crystallization processes
  • Provide solutions to improve nutritional profile of products through oil refining methods and production of specialty fats
  • Develop solutions to improve physical stability, exudation, and visual appearance of oils in products
  • Collaborate with functional teams to provide solutions to oil-related issues in current and developing products
  • Develop strategies that enhance the organoleptic properties and cooking dynamics of meat analogs
  • Coordinate with vendors and CMOs for the supply of plant and microbial lipids
  • Support R&D team in attaining short-term and long-term development goals. Adapt to evolving scientific priorities
  • Leverage internal and external technology capabilities to develop products that match or exceed consumer needs and provide a significant competitive advantage
  • Utilize core research capabilities and know-how to develop new products and improve existing products
  • Develop product prototypes on the bench, conduct pilot and commercial scale trials, establish data and make a technical case for product feasibility
  • Actively support the innovation stage gate process: brainstorming and ideation sessions, concept development, concept screening, feasibility and commercialization
  • Build cross-functional support when appropriate and develop project plans to drive development and implementation
  • Continuously search for and vet advanced technologies that complement areas of strategic focus
  • Provide written and verbal reports of research activities. Participate in R&D and larger company meetings.
  • Preserve all forms of intellectual and material property generated from the above activities, including writing patents, writing protocols for novel processes
  • Provide general laboratory support, purchase equipment, and supplies, and share in kitchen and laboratory maintenance
  • Maintain a safe working environment

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Food Science, Polymer Chemistry or a similar field with a strong background in lipid science
  • Minimum 3-year experience in academic or industrial lipid research
  • Experience in food company ingredient and product development desirable but not required
  • Experience with plant fibers and plant-based biopolymers is desirable, so is experience with green chemistry and selection of green solvents
  • Prior experience with fats and oils functionality, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, reaction chemistry, liposomes and product applications preferred
  • Understanding of food product chemistry, analytical testing, formulation and processes used in food manufacturing preferred
  • Mechanical ability, familiarity with scientific equipment and advanced instrumentation
  • Proven ability to combine scientific insight with strong technical skills and business acumen
  • Experience working in a matrix and highly collaborative team orientated environment
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills. Fluent in English, both written and spoken
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
  • Excellent analytical, organizational and multi-tasking skills, as well as the ability to interact and collaborate successfully with all levels and functional areas

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Laboratory, office and kitchen environments with some travel (5%)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Frequent sitting at a desk, communication-using computer and phone
Beyond Meat is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identify, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Beyond Meat reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.

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