Overall Function: 

The purpose of this position is to actively participate in research projects that lead to the development of new products, formulate new patentable technologies, and develop new concept ideas through Bench research using a variety of Chemistry testing methodologies.  This includes everything from chemical analysis, instrument maintenance, protocol design, method development, and project reporting. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct basic or exploratory research towards new applications or new products from bench to pilot to full manufacturing
• Responsible for using new or established methodology
• Plan and execute customer projects
• Design lab experiments and customer trials
• Test food samples using various Chemical analysis
• Conducting research as outlined through the Kemin Product Innovation Process
• Interact with peer groups for project(s) coordination and participate in product launches
• Analyze and interpret research data, reporting results as research papers and scientific reports
• Provide verbal phone support to customers, technical services, and sales staff
• Able to simultaneously handle several tasks/duties of varying complexity and set priorities to complete assignments in order to achieve goals on a timely basis
• Responsible for ensuring quality execution of projects, including design, data summary, and interpretation, and will play a role in the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and reviews to applicable regulations
• Maintain confidentiality and protect intellectual property
• Maintain all required documentation for the research projects following company Standard Operating Procedures
• Make invention disclosures for potential patent filing
• Maintain lab inventory and equipment, and detailed lab books

Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD; OR Bachelor’s degree with 5-10 years of experience, OR Masters degree with at least 5 years of research experience, preferably in the food or food additives industry
• Chemistry, Food Chemistry or a closely-related experience required
• Experience in chemical analysis, Spectrometer, GC, and HPLC
• Practical experience with techniques for measuring stability of food products
• Proven track record of accomplishments in developing new products
• Project management skills, including project planning, and development of project timelines
• Experience as an effective project team player
• Pilot plant and process scale-up experience is desired
• Computer knowledge with Word, Excel, or similar programs, with advanced computer knowledge in document preparation, data analysis, and spreadsheet applications
• Ability to present ideas effectively and communicate well with all levels of management within a team environment
• Desire and ability to work, learn and adapr in a changing and challenging environment
• Strong communication, interpersonal and presentation skills with ability to present results in front of customers: English Speaking Ability - Minimum of Intermediate High as defined in the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines

Decision Making & Freedom to Act:

Kemin believes in allowing its employees the freedom to make decisions and action them in accordance with their ability and level of reporting. 

Working Conditions:

The Associate Scientist is a FLSA exempt-level position based in Des Moines, Iowa. The position is considered to be 40 hours per week, but requires tremendous flexibility. 

To Apply:

E-mail: Jobs at Kemin
Please include the position title in the subject line of your e-mail.

On Line: Job Application Form

Mail:
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPT
KEMIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
2100 MAURY ST
PO Box 70
DES MOINES IA 50306-0070

Fax: 515.559.5232

Kemin Industries, Inc. offers a tobacco-free environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will need to pass a pre-employment drug screening.