Sr. R+ D Scientist

This role requires working a minimum of 4 days working onsite in our Arden Hills office.

Land O'Lakes Dairy Foods R& D is seeking a highly skilled and motivatedSenior Scientistto join ourRefrigerated Sweet Snacksproduct development team. This role is ideal for a seasoned food science professional with deep expertise in water-continuous colloidal systems and ingredient functionality. You'll lead & propose innovative and foundational research, drive product development, and ensure our products meet the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead foundational research projects to build deep scientific understanding that fuels long-term innovation, reduces technical risk, and creates a competitive edge in product development.
• Develop robust research plans, integrate emerging technologies, and apply new methodologies to achieve project goals.
• Lead cross-functional project teams focused on new product development, product renovation/exploration, process optimization, and cost savings.
• Apply advanced experimental design, statistical modeling, and analytical techniques to guide decision-making.
• Communicate technical results, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders across the organization.
• Mentor junior scientists and technologists, providing guidance and work direction as needed.
• Collaborate across business functions to enhance processes and anticipate future needs.

Education & Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science, dairy science, chemistry, microbiology, or related field.
• 5 or more years of experience with a combination of product development and research.
• Advanced understanding of food science principles and practical application to formulations, processes, and ingredient functionality.
• Advanced understanding of product/process/package interactions, food processing, and experimental design.
• Advanced knowledge of analytical principles and food testing methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead test method development and integrate testing into product development.
• Travel up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Food Science or a related field. Minimum 2+ years of experience in R& D, preferably with leadership in experimental trials within production settings.
• Strong project management, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills.
• Experience with analytical techniques and data interpretation for dairy based desserts & puddings.
• Demonstrated critical and creative problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and business acumen.

Salary range: $91, 120 - $136, 680 (in most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges)

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.