Associate Scientist

company information

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based dairy company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and value-added products to nourish consumers.

With more than $1B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s growing portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

The company is driven by its values of caring for people, the animals that supply us with milk, and the planet. By providing nourishing products, implementing stringent care standards for animals, and stewarding efficient operations and responsible packaging, fairlife, LLC puts a focus each day on making a positive impact for all. 

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

job purpose:

The Associate Scientist will be applying scientific principles, conducting research experiments, and producing reliable test results. The primary objectives of this position are to resolve technical challenges, develop new products, improve existing products, validate testing methods, or enhance efficiency. The candidate should be comfortable working with a team and should have passion for creativity and innovation within a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will learn to interpret and apply scientific findings to dairy systems, to translate findings into innovative manufacturing processes and products.

responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Design and conduct benchtop experiments and perform tests according to research plan.
• Up-scale trials from benchtop to pilot plant and perform tests according to research plan.
• Design and execute shelf-life studies on selected products including routine analysis and sensory evaluations.
• Keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments.
• Analyzing and summarizing research data.
• Presenting scientific findings to R&D team and to other functions when needed.
• Consistently deliver concise, accurate and complete reporting of work in the specified format (written and/or electronic).
• Operating benchtop and pilot plant equipment.
• Adhering to GMP and other safety regulations.
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and sanitary work area.
• Organizing, storing, and handling all chemical substances, fluids, and compressed gases according to safety instructions.
• Ensuring that safety guidelines are adhered to at all times within the laboratory.
• Cleaning, sterilizing, maintaining, and calibrating laboratory equipment.
• Providing technical support, when necessary.
• Performing other duties assigned by supervisor.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, or a relevant field is required.
• Previous working knowledge related to at least one of the following: food science, product recipe/formulation, process research, experimental design and/or plant trials
• 1+ years’ experience in a lab/ pilot plant environment.
• Hands-on experience operating electrical and non-electrical laboratory equipment.
• Comfortable handling potentially dangerous substances (flammable liquids, biohazards, etc.)
• In depth knowledge of QHSE management systems, preventative measures, and laboratory best practices.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Enjoys working in a team; Positive “Can Do” attitude.
• Keen attention to details; Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Analytical skills; Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and database systems.
• Willingness to travel overnight, and to work night and weekend shifts for special projects

working conditions and physical requirements:

• 8+ hours sitting/standing/walking
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to hazards (machinery, confined spaces, etc.)

position location: Chicago, IL                                                                                                                                       

reports to: Senior Scientist

travel requirements: 15%

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email [email protected].