Food Scientist, Innovation

COMPANY DESCRIPTIONAt 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.OVERVIEWThe Food Scientist will use scientific principles and expertise, and a broad range of advanced technologies and industrial tools for achieving company goals. This individual will lead in their area of expertise within product development to create new meat analog products with improved nutritional quality, flavor, appearance, and texture. The Food Scientist will have a keen understanding and extensive hands-on experience with food product development and exhibit the ability to think beyond standard methods, independently lead and reach conclusions, and clearly deliver results within a matrix organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement strategies that enhance the organoleptic properties, nutritional profiles, and cooking dynamics of meat analogs
• Drive new product development from bench-top prototypes through pilot plant in support of Beyond Meat objectives
• Oversee and/or conduct product formulation, testing, sensory and instrumental analyses of product prototypes
• Work with vendors and ingredient suppliers to develop product solutions, including optimal solutions for process implementation and improvement
• Ensure product quality, documentation and labeling requirements are met for new products
• Ensure product stability from manufacturing through to consumer use
• Conduct product development and manufacturing activities in compliance with GMP and food safety standards
• Work with Beyond Meat purchasing, marketing, manufacturing and quality assurance partners for product improvements and cost saving initiatives
• Support Innovation team in attaining short-term and long-term development goals
• Adapt to evolving scientific and business priorities
• Leverage internal and external technology capabilities to develop products that exceed consumer expectations 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 and conduct pilot trials, establish data and make a technical case for product feasibility
• Support product formulation teams through mentoring and personnel training, and by managing deliverables and/or personnel on project timelines
• 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
• Advise company officers and manager in areas of scientific and process development expertise
• Provide written and verbal reports of research activities. Participate in Innovation 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 Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biophysics
• Minimum 5-years’ experience in food company ingredient and product development
• Diverse experience with plant-based protein alternatives preferred but not required
• Expertise in food product chemistry, analytical testing, food formulation and manufacturing processes
• Hands-on pilot plant experience
• 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

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.Please note that Beyond Meat has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. All U.S. employees who (a) physically enter a Beyond Meat facility in the United States, (b) represent Beyond Meat at work-related events, including but not limited to trade shows and product demonstrations, or (c) physically enter customer or potential customer sites in connection with their work for Beyond Meat must take all necessary steps to be Fully Vaccinated as a condition of employment, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved.