Research Associate-Chemistry at Beyond Meat

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

At Beyond Meat, we started with simple questions. Why do you need an animal to create meat? Why can’t you build meat directly from plants? Thus, we make plant-based meats that allow families to eat more, not less, of the traditional dishes they love while feeling great about the health, sustainability, and animal welfare benefits of plant protein. Our goal is to bring exciting change to the plate—and Beyond.

At Beyond Meat, we are focused on raising the bar on talent.  We are dedicated to shaping an inclusive culture that drives excellence, innovation, and results by enabling talent acceleration and development, engagement, and the employee experience.  The R&D Team is a matrix organization within Beyond Meat that is dedicated to creating food products that are leading the gold standard in plant-based proteins.  They are looking for an outstanding individual to join the Color team located in El Segundo, CA as a Research Associate. 

The Research Associate on the Chemistry Team plays a crucial role at Beyond Meat and needs a strong scientific background, excellent problem-solving skills, high attention to detail, a team-oriented mentality, to be self-motivated, creative, results-oriented, and resourceful. Research Associates have a keen understanding and hands-on experience with scientific procedures and methods and the ability to think beyond standard methods, as well as to independently lead and reach conclusions and deliver results within a matrix organization. 

They will command understanding of experimental proceedings and have the opportunity to make an immediate impact in our core scientific understanding and the application of chemistry research to food science and product development, and grow professionally using the skills described herein. This Research Associate candidate must have the ability to follow the Scientific Method, and possess the skill to use negative results as an opportunity to learn and develop.TASKS, DUTIES, & GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIESSupport the R&D team in attaining short-term and long-term development goals; adapt to evolving scientific prioritiesConduct scientific tasks under supervision including but not limited to designing and conducting chemistry experiments and interpreting results, developing new food chemistry methods and processes, investigating product and ingredient functionality, conducting instrumental analysis, developing and batching benchtop product formulations, evaluating benchtop product formulations using organoleptic and/or chemical and instrumental methods, optimizing and improving existing formulations, and developing and evaluating prototypes dailyDevelop knowledge of specialized chemistry and food chemistry information, lab techniques and SOPs/lab protocolsCoordinate and participate in product evaluations with the team Identify opportunities for innovation, cost reduction, and quality enhancement Assist scientists with test objectives for research, product development, sensory and shelf-life experiments and assist with execution of sensory testing if neededRead scientific and technical literature and summarize information from multiple sources to inform project work and experimental design Collaborate cross-functionally with internal Beyond Meat teams and outside vendors, such as ingredient suppliers, etc., to ensure success of productsCollect, use and analyze quantitative data to guide flavor and product development Participation in sensory studies may be requiredMaintain a laboratory notebook and experimental records; provide written and verbal reports of chemistry research activitiesLearn and abide by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Ensure that strict hygiene and food safety standards are met dailyProtect Beyond Meat IP and confidential informationPerform other assigned responsibilities and scientific techniques as neededProvide general laboratory support, source and purchase ingredient supplies, and share in laboratory organization and cleaningAssist in validating, calibrating, and collecting data from analytical instruments and maintaining equipment logs and service recordsUpload data to appropriate databases and/or spreadsheetsMay supervise Associate Research Associates and/or Lab AssistantsQUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Technical Skills, and/or Previous ExperienceBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline with 0-2+ years of experienceDemonstrated experience in chemistry wet-lab research with significant project scopeExperience with instrumental analysis in field of study is preferredDetail-oriented and ability to work with complex information and data from multiple sources, including technical and scientific data, organoleptic and sensory information, nutritional information, regulatory and safety information, timeline and project informationAbility to independently manage more than one project at the same time and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environmentKnowledge of general lab techniques and previous work in a lab environmentStrong verbal and written communication skillsCommand of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite, and ChemDrawBasic mechanical ability, working knowledge of tools, familiarity with scientific equipment and instrumentation, including centrifuges, pH meters, balances, etcThe ability to work closely with a manager by communicating ongoing progress updates The ability to work in a team environment and also be self-directed at timesWORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSPosition requires to taste and smell food products and ingredientsPosition requires the ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods, climb, kneel, bend, and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.Position located in a mix of laboratory, pilot lab and office environments$65,000 - $75,000 a yearThe starting annual base pay for this El Segundo, CA based role is between USD $65,000 and $75,000. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and market demands.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. The role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, and benefits.Beyond Meat is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identify, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Beyond Meat reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.Apply for this job