Analytical Flavor Scientist

COMPANY DESCRIPTIONThe PLANeT Partnership, a joint venture between PepsiCo and Beyond Meat, has joined to develop, produce and market innovative snack and beverage products made from plant-based protein to help save the planet. We are looking for driven and entrepreneurial professionals to join the new team, supported by two major CPG brands!! The joint venture leverages Beyond Meat's leading technology in plant-based protein development and PepsiCo's world-class marketing and commercial capabilities to create and scale new snacks and beverages.OVERVIEWAs an integral part of the PLANeT Partnership team in our new Headquarters located in El Segundo, California, you will unlock new categories and product lines that will inspire positive choices for both people and the planet. The Analytical Flavor Scientist will use scientific principles and expertise, and a broad range of advanced technologies and industrial tools to help develop the new product portfolio for the joint venture. This self-motivated and creative individual will lead in their area of expertise to create new plant-based food and beverage products with improved flavor, appearance, and texture. The Analytical Flavor Scientist will have a keen understanding and extensive hands-on experience with beverage development from concept to commercialization and exhibit the ability to think beyond standard methods, independently lead and reach conclusions, and clearly deliver results within the new joint venture between PepsiCo and Beyond Meat.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop analytical methods for isolation, detection, identification, and quantification of flavor/aroma molecules
• Conduct discovery phase research and quantitative analysis using diverse instrumental techniques as applied to complex dairy and non-dairy foods and beverages
• Apply deep knowledge in all aspects of flavors and flavor application for different beverage systems
• Conduct cross functional research in flavor and aroma, including olfactometry analysis, sensory analysis, and supporting flavor/aroma product development work
• Characterize and quantify food ingredients such as proteins, fats, flavorants, colorants, nutrients, and binders by developing unique analytical methods
• Apply knowledge of dairy ingredients and flavors, their major vendors, and performance attributes (including flavor, functionality, and quality)
• Develop research insights for how flavor/aroma composition impacts sample attributes and perceptions
• Translate research results and concepts into meaningful research plans that address key questions within the R&D team
• Ensure analytical equipment is maintained in good working order; troubleshoot and perform minor repairs as needed; oversee a preventative maintenance program
• Maintain a safe and orderly laboratory and ensure compliance with all safety policies and practices
• Collaborate with senior leadership with shifting priorities to meet benchmarking goals

QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S or Ph.D. in Dairy Science, Chemistry or related discipline with over 4 years of analytical chemistry experience in flavor/aroma research
• Experience with GC and LC using mass and spectroscopic detection methods, ICP-MS/OES, spectroscopy methods (UV/Vis, fluorescence, AES/AAS, IR, CD, light scattering) and general chromatographic/separations methods including liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, ion and size exclusion chromatography
• Extensive experience with HPLC/UPLC-MS and GC/MS with various sampling techniques is preferred (headspace, SPME, dynamic headspace), including with high resolution triple quad MS/MS systems
• Chemistry and separations know-how, experience with natural products isolation
• Experience with developing complex datasets, omics small molecule research, script development for data handling, and/or database building is preferred
• Experience with flavor/aroma descriptive training and olfactometry analysis is a plus
• Experience with flavor/aroma in the context of product development is a plus
• Exhibit strong technical skills and the ability to critically evaluate raw data and results without supervision
• Proven ability to generate research plans that lead to meaningful conclusions
• Must be skilled in operation of chromatographic data acquisition and processing software packages such as Agilent ChemStation, Shimadzu LabSolutions, and other software tools for data reduction and presentation.
• Experience in the operation, minor maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of laboratory equipment required
• Experience with statistical software and theory

The PLANeT Partnership 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. The PLANeT Partnership reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.