Sr. R+ D Scientist

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Job Title: Sr. R+ D Scientist
Location: Arden Hills, MN, Midwest United States, USA

Company: Land O Lakes
Industry Sector: Agribusiness
Industry Type: Input Retail, Cooperative and Related Crop Services
Job Type: Full Time

Job Description: Sr. R+ D Scientist

This role requires working a minimum of 4 days working onsite in our Arden Hills office.

Land O'Lakes Dairy Foods R&D is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist to join our Refrigerated Sweet Snacks product development team. This role is ideal for a seasoned food science professional with deep expertise in water-continuous colloidal systems and ingredient functionality. You'll lead & propose innovative and foundational research, drive product development, and ensure our products meet the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Lead foundational research projects to build deep scientific understanding that fuels long-term innovation, reduces technical risk, and creates a competitive edge in product development.
Develop robust research plans, integrate emerging technologies, and apply new methodologies to achieve project goals.
Lead cross-functional project teams focused on new product development, product renovation/exploration, process optimization, and cost savings.
Apply advanced experimental design, statistical modeling, and analytical techniques to guide decision-making.
Communicate technical results, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders across the organization.
Mentor junior scientists and technologists, providing guidance and work direction as needed.
Collaborate across business functions to enhance processes and anticipate future needs.

Education & Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in food science, dairy science, chemistry, microbiology, or related field.
5 or more years of experience with a combination of product development and research.
Advanced understanding of food science principles and practical application to formulations, processes, and ingredient functionality.
Advanced understanding of product/process/package interactions, food processing, and experimental design.
Advanced knowledge of analytical principles and food testing methodologies.
Proven ability to lead test method development and integrate testing into product development.
Travel up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications

M.S. or Ph.D. in Food Science or a related field. Minimum 2+ years of experience in R&D, preferably with leadership in experimental trials within production settings.
Strong project management, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills.
Experience with analytical techniques and data interpretation for dairy based desserts & puddings.
Demonstrated critical and creative problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and business acumen.

Salary range: $91,120 - $136,680 (in most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges)

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.

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Job Post Date: 09/11/25