Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, researches, conducts experiments, gathers data, develops preliminary findings and prepares written reports for the development of new products beginning at conception through successful commercialization.  Follows established protocols and work plans and drafts for review technical proposals and reports.

Position Summary:

The Food Scientist, Plant-Based Protein, is accountable for exploration, development, and improvement of plant-based protein products and technology. This role contributes to and helps lead the creation of in-house plant-based protein products and knowledge for existing Conagra Brands product lines, as well as longer-term research efforts to create advantaged products.  The purpose of this position is to drive new product development for product line growth, technology/process development for the creation of new capabilities, and identification of external sources for ingredient and process technology development in the plant-based space. At this level, performed work is under minimal supervision and the role is expected to independently address complex issues while coordinating within R&D and cross-functionally. This role designs, executes, and documents research to expand the platform’s knowledge base, advance longer-term project work, to enable products with differentiated attributes.

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop new products beginning at the concept phase through successful commercialization.
• Leverage internal and external technology capabilities to develop products with plant protein attributes that match or exceed consumer needs and provide a significant competitive advantage.
• Utilize core research capabilities and know-how to develop new products and improve existing products with plant protein attributes.
• Champion ideas for technology improvements and cost savings that align with the strategic fit of projects.
• Support R&D team in attaining short-term and long-term development goals. Adapt to evolving scientific priorities.
• Develop product prototypes on the bench, conduct pilot and commercial scale trials, establish data and make a technical case for product feasibility.
• Maintain high level of awareness of technical trends and developments in the food and CPG industries. Leads plant protein applications research of new technology.
• Build cross-functional support when appropriate and develop project plans to drive development and implementation.
• Continuously search for and vet advanced technologies that compliment areas of strategic focus, primarily in the plant-based space.
• Provide written and verbal reports of research activities. Participate in R&D and larger company meetings.
• Collaborate directly with internal business peers and cross functional teams at a high level.
• Cultivate and foster relationships with external partners and resources.
• Preserve all forms of intellectual and material property generated from the above activities, including writing patents, writing protocols for novel processes.
• Effectively communicates complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences within the business organization.

Position Requirements:

• BS in Food Science. MS preferred
• 3 years of relevant work experience
• Pro-active self-starter, willing to accept responsibility for business tasks
• Ability to independently manage project work.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Demonstrate ability to communicate well and to effectively influence and interact with others to accomplish research goals.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software
• Problem solving skills
• Requires knowledge in food product design, formulation, ingredient functionality and interaction, process design, product scale-up, plant testing and commercialization
• Good understanding of food industry standards of quality and foods safety, and FDA regulations.

Conagra’s culture of collaboration enhances our ability to meet critical business goals, deliver value to customers and consumers and provide you with the flexibility you need to achieve a better work-life balance. We carefully consider each role and how often each team member needs to collaborate in-person. This position requires you work from our Omaha office 4 days a week.

#LI-SM2

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
• Wealth: great pay, incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: online courses, virtual and classroom development experiences
• Balance: paid-time off, paternal leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)

Our Company:

Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We have a rich heritage of making great food, and a team that’s passionate about innovation and growth. Conagra offers choices for every occasion through iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Marie Callender's®, Banquet®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, Reddi-wip®, and Vlasic®, and emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®.

We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. â€‹