Senior Research Scientist, Nutrition

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

The Senior Research Scientist will be responsible for delivering nutrition guidance for ingredients, and nutrition and health-related claims for new product innovation. The individual will contribute in-depth knowledge of nutrition science and nutrition communications and provide assessment and input for food regulatory and nutrition policies.

This individual will use nutrition science expertise to lead the assessment and provide guidance on ingredients and claims for new product innovation in a cross-functional setting. The individual will work closely with senior leaders in Product Development, Marketing, Quality & Regulatory Compliance, and Legal (e.g. Managers, Senior Managers, and Senior Counsel) to determine project goals, execute the projects, communicate nutrition considerations and ensure that business objectives are achieved.

Additionally, the individual will lead clinical research to support new claims and product development, train cross-functional business partners on nutrition and regulatory basics, and develop nutrition communication materials for key internal and external stakeholders. The individual will actively work to develop expertise in the area of regulations, including the ability to critically evaluate new regulations and policies related to claims and the use of food ingredients. The individual will also represent Hershey on key trade association committees and other industry groups.

The role is located at the Tech Center in Hershey, PA and may allow for up to 40% of time working remotely. Occasional travel (5%) may be required.

Summary of major duties:

Lead clinical research program

* Use nutrition expertise to provide guidance in projects for global innovation and product development teams, with a key focus on the development of "Better for You" products.

* Partner with agencies to conduct clinical trials to support business strategies for claims exploration and substantiation.

* Design experiments and lead production / acquisition of samples for clinical trials.

* Analyze clinical data and agency reports to provide conclusions and actionable recommendations.

Nutrition Strategy for R&D

* Lead the development of nutrition communications and tools for key internal and external stakeholders.

* As Nutrition SME, provide training and education to cross-functional business partners on nutrition and regulatory basics.

* Monitor, assess, and communicate scientific and regulatory landscape on issues of importance to Hershey. This includes assessing impact of proposed nutrition policy and regulatory changes.

* Collaborate on development of company positions for key ingredients and health and nutrition topics.

* Represent the Company in external professional and industrial organizations, such as the International Life Sciences Institute and others.

Technical Development and Support

* Provide nutritional science technical support for new ingredient development projects and programs.

* Evaluate nutritional impact of novel ingredients in existing or new formulations in the lab.

* Lead upstream ingredient development projects to deliver improved nutritional benefits and/or meet new or anticipated changes in regulatory requirements.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

* Expertise in nutrition science and nutrition communications, specifically regarding nutrition fundamentals, sugar reduction, protein, GLP-1, and associated claims and messaging

* Expertise in conducting / coordinating clinical trials

* Expertise in independently assessing and communicating scientific publications, government documents, and public policy concerns to non-scientific audiences

* Ability to represent Hershey with scientific and regulatory experts

* Ability to influence senior leaders on decision making regarding nutrition, food regulations, and claims

* Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently in a flexible work environment with changing priorities

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of presentations to executive levels

* Highly innovative and motivated individual

* Excellent problem-solving skills

* Ability to apply lab safety and food safety principles in conducting lab work and clinical sample preparation

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Education and Experience: PhD or Master's Degree in Nutrition, Food Science, or related field plus 2-5 years of applicable experience; BS degree with 5-10 years experience. Internship and prior research project work will be considered. Registered Dietitian Credential strongly preferred.

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