Job: Analytical Flavor Chemist wanted by Kemin - Innovate Pet Food Palatability

Posted: 2 months ago | Location: Des Moines, IA

Join a Leader in Biotechnology and Transform Pet Nutrition

Kemin Industries, a global, family-owned leader in biotechnology, is seeking a curious and analytical Associate Scientist – Analytical Flavor Chemist to pioneer next-generation pet food palatants. This role sits at the exciting intersection of flavor chemistry, protein science, and pet nutrition, offering a unique opportunity to apply novel technologies to revolutionize companion animal feeding experiences. If you are driven by precision, thrive on hands-on laboratory work, and want to translate complex science into real-world impact, we invite you to explore this opportunity in Des Moines, Iowa.

Your Mission: Drive Innovation in Pet Food Palatability

In this pivotal role, you will be a core contributor to our product development team, focused on unlocking new insights into pet feeding behavior. You will leverage your deep chemistry background to explore uncharted applications in the pet food industry, directly contributing to the creation of superior palatability solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Independent Research: Design, execute, and document innovative scientific experiments, translating fundamental research into practical applications and novel product insights.
• Master Data & Analysis: Perform advanced data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation. You will review others' data, provide critical scientific insight, and maintain sophisticated laboratory instrumentation.
• Communicate & Influence: Prepare and present clear, actionable research findings in multiple formats for both internal strategy sessions and external scientific forums. You will also contribute to scientific publications and review internal technical documents.
• Shape Strategy & Collaborate: Contribute directly to the strategic planning process, participate in customer meetings, and help identify external research collaborations to advance our mission.
• Mentor & Guide: Provide instruction and training to interns and junior staff, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learning.
• Uphold Excellence: Develop and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), research protocols, and safety methods to ensure the highest standards of laboratory practice.

What You Bring: Qualifications for Success

Education & Experience:
We are looking for candidates with a solid foundation in science and a passion for application. A combination of the following is required:

• Option 1: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Flavor/Sensory Science, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific field, plus 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Option 2: Master's degree in one of the above fields, plus 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Option 3: A Ph.D. in a related scientific field is highly preferred and may be considered with less direct experience.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Expert Scientific Acumen: Proven skills in experimental design, advanced data analysis, and instrumental analysis. A strong scientific curiosity and innovative mindset are essential.
• Proven Independence & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team.
• Superior Communication: Fluent in English with excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of presenting complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
• Operational Excellence: Detail-oriented, highly organized, and motivated by accomplishment. Skilled in prioritization and advanced computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Why Build Your Career at Kemin?

As a valued member of our team, you'll contribute to our mission of transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. We support your total well-being with a comprehensive benefits package:

• Rewarding Compensation: Competitive salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401(k) match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health & Wellness: Fitness reimbursement for the whole family, an on-site fitness center, a restaurant with fresh seasonal food, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Lifelong Growth: Clear opportunities for career development and advancement, supported by in-house learning platforms with thousands of training resources and a tuition reimbursement program.
• Purpose-Driven Culture: Paid time off for service, with global partnerships like The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, plus local community initiatives.

Kemin is a global company with over 3,500 employees, operations in 90 countries, and manufacturing on five continents. We supply more than 500 specialty ingredients, making a tangible impact on health, nutrition, and sustainability worldwide.

Join Us: This position is based at our Des Moines, Iowa campus. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates outside a commutable distance.

How to Apply & Next Steps:

If you are an analytical problem-solver ready to apply your flavor chemistry expertise to the dynamic field of pet food innovation, we encourage you to apply. Kemin is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. A post-offer background check and drug screen are required.

Apply for the Analytical Flavor Chemist position today to begin your journey with Kemin.

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