Research Associate-Flavor 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.

Beyond Meat is focused on raising the bar on talent and dedicated to shaping an inclusive culture that drives excellence, innovation, and results, engagement, and employee experience.  The R&D Innovation Team is a matrix organization within Beyond Meat that is dedicated to creating plant-based protein products that are leading the gold standard globally.  We are looking for an outstanding individual to join the Flavor Team located in El Segundo, CA as a Research Associate.

The Research Associate on the Flavor Team plays a crucial role at Beyond Meat. The Research Associate 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 will 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 of flavors and the application of flavors to food 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- and long-term product development goals, adapt to evolving scientific prioritiesConduct scientific tasks under supervision including but not limited to developing new flavor compositions and processes, conducting extractions and analysis of flavor/aroma components, conducting analytical testing/instrumental analysis, testing flavors in benchtop product formulations using organoleptic and/or analytical/instrumental methods, developing and batching benchtop product formulations, optimizing and improving existing formulations, and developing and evaluating prototypes dailyDevelop knowledge of specialized flavor research information, lab techniques and SOPs/lab protocolsCoordinate and participate in flavor tastings 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 to inform project work and summarize information from multiple sources Collaborate cross-functionally with internal Beyond Meat teams and outside vendors, such as flavor houses, 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 flavor 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 needed.Provide 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 Food Technologists and/or Lab AssistantsQUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Technical Skills, and/or Previous ExperienceBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a similar scientific field with 0-2+ years of experienceFlavor research and/or related plant-based food research experienceExperience in chemistry lab environment and microanalysis/handling and/or experience with analytical techniques and instrumental analysis preferredAbility 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, and Google SuiteBasic 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 ENVIRONMENTPosition requires to taste and smell food products and food-grade ingredientsPosition requires the ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods, climb, kneel, bend, and consistently lift up to 25 lbs.Position located in a mix of typical laboratory, pilot plant, 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