ABOUT US
At New School Foods, our mission is to accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system. Using our proprietary and purpose-built production technologies, we are creating the next generation of meat and seafood alternatives, which are designed to appeal to the average consumer. Our first product is a delicious plant-based filet that looks, cooks, tastes and flakes like Salmon, that’s full of Omega 3’ and protein. All with a lower carbon footprint, zero mercury, and made without harming the ocean.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a talented Director of R&D to lead our fast-growing Food Science team. This organized, motivated, creative, and results-oriented individual will have had experience managing a team of scientists in creating food products. We're looking for a candidate with a track record of keeping teams organized, prioritized & inspired.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead a team developing cutting-edge plant-based meat/ fish products through research, product development and process innovation.
Responsible for improving the organoleptic properties, nutrition profile, macrostructure, and cooking experience of our products
Thought leadership on research direction by successfully identifying critical knowledge gaps and valuable whitespace opportunities
Optimally leverage available resources towards the fulfillment of the business mission, including team (expertise and manpower resource), external knowledge (academic literature, IP, experts), budget (instrument, materials procurement).
Drive new product development from ideation to bench-top prototypes to pilot production to commercialization.
Ensure compliance with food safety standards
Lead the design and execution of experiments, development of SOPs & protocols for new procedures, ensure the synthesis of data and review results
Lead collaborative interactions with a broad group of external partners including academic researchers, analytical service providers, consultants, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers, IP lawyers, and regulatory professionals.
Continuously search for and vet advanced technologies that complement areas of strategic focus, and gather insight into new ingredient technologies
Lead the drafting of patents, scientific papers, presentations
Provide mentorship, training and experimental guidance
Lead knowledge management and effective communication of scientific progress
Manage a lab with a broad array of sample preparation and analytical equipment (texture analyzer, colorimeter etc) ensuring proper maintenance and operation.
Ensure a clean, organized, and safe work area and ensure compliance with all safety policies and practices.
SKILLS & TRAITS
Embraces the mission and purpose of New School Foods
Demonstrated ability to build and lead a high performance team
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement a successful research strategy within a commercial environment
Excitement for working in a fast-paced environment, with high energy, creativity, personal dedication, accountability and ownership
Understands and thrives in an unstructured startup environment and is able to develop structure and process where required while maintaining flexibility and agility
Excellent time management, and communication skills (verbal and written), with ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Adaptable to evolving scientific and business priorities
Business acumen
EXPERIENCE
PhD in a scientific discipline (materials science, physics or biophysics, chemistry, physical chemistry, biological or chemical engineering, or a related field) with 10+ years of product development experience in a food and/or food ingredient company, OR M.S. with 12+ years of experience OR OR B.S. with 15+ years of experience
5+ years of experience managing a team of scientists
Proven track record of R&D thought leadership
Deep Experience in food product design, including formulation, ingredient functionality and interaction, sensory analysis, process design, product scale-up, plant testing and commercialization
Proven ability to leverage scientific insight towards the development of food processes and/or products
Deep knowledge of food ingredients such as proteins, fats, hydrocolloids, flavorants, colorants, and nutrients including economics, sourcing, structure-function understanding, analytical testing and formulation know-how,
Deep knowledge of scientific principles key to the development of plant based meat and fish products including texture development, emulsion technology, flavor-ingredient interactions, color chemistry, nutrition, microbiological safety and food preservation.
Demonstrated knowledge of lab techniques and instrumentation
Knowledge of industry standard processing techniques and the ability to research, design and implement disruptive technologies new to the industry
Experienced in the protection of intellectual property through IP strategy development and the drafting of patents
Excellent knowledge of food industry standards of quality, food safety and USDA/FDA regulations
Nice to haves but not required: Prior experimental research experience in a wet lab // Experience in meat product or alternative/plant based meat product formulation and commercialization // Diverse experience with plant-based protein alternatives preferred but not required
Important Note: Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and racialized people of every gender are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At New School Foods, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the person we’re looking for!
