Stratas Foods LLC is the leading supplier of fats and oils to the Foodservice, Food Ingredients and Retail Private Label markets in North America and is a producer of quality bulk and packaged dressings, mayonnaise and sauces. Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH) and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).

Manufacturing facilities are located in Dallas and Houston, TX; Decatur and Quincy, IL; Englewood, NJ; Hillside, NJ; Fresno, CA; Nashville, TN; and Valdosta, GA. Corporate offices are located in Memphis, TN. We are committed to maintaining a progressive workplace by utilizing the ideas, skills and talents of all of our employees. We strive to make Stratas Foods a great place to work and are building a team capable of meeting our business goals.

Job Description

The Associate Scientist role exists to provide support to the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) strategy of executing a program based on connectivity and T.I.M.E. to achieve industry leading innovation and technology support.

The Associate Scientist role is an entry level Product Development position to support basic product development initiatives, application testing and participation in internal/external technical training sessions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Product Development, Technical Support & Service, Bakery and/or Culinary Applications Testing / Development, Product Specifications, Product Improvements / Cost Savings, Competitive Audits, and Provides Technical Support Outside of the Application Area as Needed / Assigned

1. Product Development – under direction of mentoring Sr. Scientist provide support across all assigned STRATAS driven product development initiatives from bench blends through pilot plant scale up. Confirm accuracy and quality via analytical testing. Maintain records in lab notebook.

2. Technical Support & Service – participate in development/execution of internal & external technical training sessions. Assist in trouble shooting and complaint resolution.

3. Application Testing/Development – assist in execution of studies to evaluate impact of emerging technologies and IP oils on product stability and functionality. Maintain accurate records. Issue final report of key discoveries/conclusions.

4. Product Specifications – ensure formulations, specifications and data sheets are accurate and up to date for application area

5. Product Improvements/Cost Savings – support cost savings and/or enhanced performance projects as assigned

6. Competitive Audits –participate in periodic audits of competitive product, as assigned, to identify developmental gaps and product improvement opportunities.

7. Provide technical support outside of application area as needed/assigned.

8. Collaborate closely with onsite teams and participate in onsite meetings to drive departmental objectives

Qualifications

Education: BS/MS/PhD Food Science or related field, certified baker or culinary chef also strongly considered

Related Experience: 0 - 2 years Product Development experience

Equipment/Software Skills: Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook

Competencies

· Technical Skills – bakery and/or pastry chef experience with a solid food science background, strong command of ingredients/functionality. Basic knowledge of fats & oils chemistry and processing. Knowledge of experimental design.

· Judgment – decisive, exhibits sound and accurate judgment

· Strategic Thinking – displays critical thinking skills, proactive in decision making and makes data-based decisions

· Problem Solving – leverages a proactive & creative approach to issues/roadblocks. Develops realistic action plans with clearly identified risks and contingencies

Additional Information

Physical: Typical activities may include prolonged periods of sitting or standing, using a computer, and occasional movement within the workplace. May require lifting or moving items up to 50 pounds. Some travel is required.

Sensory: The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is required to use hand and fingers, handle, and or feel and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Requires clear verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members and others. Active listening and attention to detail are essential.

Mental/Reasoning: Must be able to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing demands. Requires strong organizational skills, dependability, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Must demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion. Must be able to perform root cause analysis and corrective action. Must be able to continuously learn and adapt to changes in the overall business relative to oils and oil processing. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and and/or board of directors. Ability to define problems, collects data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision

Stratas Foods is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee in any manner prohibited by law, including but not limited to, on the basis of race or color, religion, gender, age, genetic information, national origin/ancestry, mental or physical disability, family status/marital status, military/veteran status, and any other legally protected status.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision-The Employer will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Employer’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Stratas Foods Applicant Request for Accommodation Form: https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance

Stratas Foods California Privacy Rights Act Policy: https://www.stratasfoods.com/compliance

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