Principal Scientist, Innovation - Geneva, IL

You may know McCormick as a leader in herbs, spices, seasonings, and condiments – and we’re only getting started. At McCormick, we’re always looking for new people to bring their unique flavor to our team.

McCormick employees – all 14,000 of us across the world – are what makes this company a great place to work.

 

We are looking to hire a Principal Scientist immediately at our McFONA labs in Geneva, IL.

 

What We Bring To The Table:

The best people deserve the best rewards. In addition to the benefits you’d expect from a global leader (401k, health insurance, paid time off, etc.) we also offer:

• Competitive compensation

• Career growth opportunities

• Flexibility and Support for Diverse Life Stages and Choices

• We prioritize our communities and the planet we share. We are proud to be awarded as a Diversity Inc. Top 50 company for Diversity and have multiple Sustainability awards (ranking #22 in the World and #1 in Food Products)

• Wellbeing programs including Physical, Mental and Financial wellness

• Tuition assistance

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The position of Principal Scientist, Innovation is responsible for leading McCormick’s innovation efforts through basic research and development of new and novel flavor-related technologies, curriculum development, and presenting Flavor University content. These technological developments relate to McCormick’s technology platforms (taste modification, microencapsulation, extraction and isolation, analytical characterization, and food models).

 

The Principal Scientist Innovation role requires the understanding of pilot or commercial-scale plant equipment operations necessary for scale-up and demonstration of flavor products and applications through Business Unit Group and customer-inspired projects. This role may require supervising associate scientists, technicians, and research assistants as needed.

 

The Principal Scientist Innovation works alongside the Flavor University team and is responsible for developing new content and curriculum. This role also presents and delivers Flavor University seminars and podcasts.

 

Ancillary responsibilities of this position include creative product development, excellent product development support for the customer, commercialization of products (understanding of processes and operations for manufacture), and a strong knowledge of consumer and general sensory testing, including its application to product development. Develop and manage customer relationships at all levels; mentor and developer of talent.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve Flavor University as curriculum content creator and presenter.
• Lead development of flavors, model food systems, platform technologies, or new ingredients.
• Complex Project Management: Plan and lead project teams, define and assess project requirements, and experimental design.
• Provide support as an internal expert on projects performed in other groups within McCormick, with outside consultants and vendors.
• Participate and represent McCormick in professional organizations. Liaison for technical expertise to other R&D groups, customers, operations, and quality functions.
• Ability to supervise and instruct scientists.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Ph.D. with ten years of experience. Degree work should be in biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, food science, or related discipline.
• Experience: A minimum of ten years’ experience in the field is required. An in-depth understanding of flavors and flavor technology. Establish and maintain relationships with key customers. Must have excellent presentation skills.
• Interpersonal Skill: Ability to communicate effectively through written and oral communications with customers and interdepartmental/cross-functional groups and business leaders as appropriate. Proven intellectual curiosity and self-starter, collaborator with ability to influence in a leadership role.  

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Food Science/Technology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
• Classroom instructor experience

 

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McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

As a general policy, McCormick does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.