Scientist

Kemin Industries - Des Moines, IA

Full-time - Senior

Des Moines, IA

1,001-5,000 employees

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Scientist position at Kemin Industries involves leading research and development projects, acting as a technical leader within cross-functional teams, and identifying opportunities for new intellectual property. The role requires a PhD with relevant experience and emphasizes independent work, collaboration, and adherence to the Servant Leadership philosophy.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead multiple R D projects.
• Manage and mentor direct reports to reach goals.
• Act as technical lead on multiple cross functional teams.
• Review and approve SOPs, research protocols, and research methods.
• Perform literature reviews and incorporate findings into research strategies.
• Identify internal and external opportunities to obtain new intellectual property and evaluate external intellectual property and freedom to operate issues.
• Identify and participate in external research collaborations.
• Lead research areas that could lead to new product development or process improvement with minimal supervision.
• Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Independently perform advanced data analysis and review others' data.
• Prepare and present research reports in multiple formats for both internal and external audiences.
• Generate scientific publications for internal or external purposes.
• Review others' technical reports.
• Adhere to laboratory standard operating procedures, documentation, and guidelines.
• Troubleshoot issues with laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Participate in strategic planning and customer meetings.

Requirements

• PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience in a scientific or engineering field.
• Solid understanding and adherence to the Servant Leadership philosophy.
• Detail-oriented, organized, with prioritization skills and motivated by accomplishment.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong experimental design and problem-solving skills.
• Effective presentation skills for ideas and research findings.
• Good written and oral communication skills suitable for external presentations.
• Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Ability to understand and perform advanced statistical analysis.
• Analytical lab skills and ability to maintain instruments.

Benefits

• Competitive financial package including uncapped bonus opportunity and 401k match program.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Fitness reimbursement for the whole family.
• On-site fitness center and restaurant with seasonal fresh food options.
• Tuition reimbursement and corporate university for continued learning.
• Paid time off for service opportunities.
• Corporate partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity.