Product Stability Scientist

The Product Stability Scientist (PSS) on the Integrated Operations Consumer Experience Team has primary responsibility as a subject matter expert to design stability and quality into the lifecycle of our products. This specific PSS role will serve as a critical business partner to North America cereal project teams, including Natural & Organic (N&O) cereals.

In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to impact the ITQ (Innovation, Technology, & Quality) function by determining the most optimized approach to ensure broad understanding of the factors that affect cereals and N&O product quality over time and under various conditions. This includes designing and managing shelf-life/stability studies to fill knowledge gaps while leveraging historical data and predictive models.

The right candidate for this role will possess strong chemistry and math skills necessary to understand the chemical kinetics involved in modes of product quality failure. The work requires holistic integration of package, process and formula; thus knowledge of manufacturing, packaging and supply chain logistics is beneficial.

The projects you manage in this role will accelerate your ability to build business acumen to influence cross functional teams and to navigate across the organization. This role requires close collaboration with ITQ R&D Scientists (product and packaging) and leaders, Product Stability Operations and Medallion Laboratories Operations (internal chemistry and microbiology testing).

In this role you will have the opportunity to develop technical depth, project management and communication skills, and experience operating in a global network of Product Stability Scientists.

Key Career Experiences Gained:

• Functional: Technical Depth in Stability Science, Chemical Kinetics and Data Modeling
• Leadership: Business consultancy and influence; Business acumen and risk mitigation
• Broadening: Exposure to the full product lifecycle from formulation to consumption, Collaboration across a Global Stability Science ecosystem

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide technical consultation to R&D and Medallion Labs for product stability and shelf-life
• Independently consult, design, and manage the appropriate, optimized product stability studies to meet business needs and enhance product foundational knowledge
• Partner directly with customers and business teams
• Create, modify and apply predictive models to meet business needs
• Interpret test results in context of project objectives and foundational learning in terms of business risk, product key attributes, quality measures and consumer expectations
• Clearly and concisely explain technical findings and suggest actionable next steps for non-technical business colleagues.
• Actively develop platform specific foundational knowledge and disseminate to pertinent teams
• Collaborate with global experts (including other PSS's) and operations
• Serve as an advocate for the application of product foundational knowledge and brand protection for product development teams
• Integrate knowledge of the critical role of packaging and ingredients in product stability performance
• Train R&D, Packaging, and FSQ on stability quality theory and best practices

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (ONE OF THE FOLLOWING)

• Bachelors of Science in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering or a related science-based field with 2+ years relevant experience in Product Development or related food and/or pharmaceutical industry experience OR
• Masters of Science Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced Mathematics knowledge/expertise
• Experience in Product Development and Formulation
• Understanding of and exposure to Shelf-life testing
• Experience in Global collaboration and partnership
• Demonstrated leadership, critical thinking and ability to influence decision making
• Aptitude for navigating technology/systems (LIMS, Mathematical Modeling Tools, etc.)
• Knowledge of manufacturing, packaging and supply chain logistics
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizations

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• In ITQ, we are relied on to bring expertise and continuity to our business. It takes time to build the type of deep expertise that drives innovation and helps build bold brands. We will all consistently need several cycles of success to truly have an impact and develop key skills and capabilities. As you apply for new roles, it is important for you to know that we expect a minimum of 24 months in role to ensure you are set up to drive impact and results.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for a U.S. work visa.
• Relocation support will not be offered to applicants within the United States.
• International relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one other and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.