Taylor Fresh Foods Looking for Senior Research Scientist in Salinas CA Full Time

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION: 

To lead and work closely with multiple Post-Harvest scientists and technicians in an ongoing effort to support and improve the value-added fresh offerings from Taylor Farms. The primary focus is in the field of Post-Harvest Technology to include, food safety, processing technologies, quality, and the science behind our world class products. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work in a fast-paced hypothesis-driven environment with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Fresh-cut value-added produce primarily focused on leafy greens and fresh-cut fruit is the core of this position.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: 

1. Manage New Product Development projects from start to finish.
2. Conduct research and experiments to improve quality of existing products.
3. Work with the Ag Operations group to improve cultivars.
4. Coordinate and work with packaging vendors to enhance breathable film options and MAP.
5. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results.
6. Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings resulting in long term solutions.
7. Ability to recognize, analyze, and make immediate recommendations to solve for real-time issues.
8. Aptitude to cross-communicate internally between upper management, sales, marketing, product management, and operations.
9. Aptitude to communicate and work with customers, consumers, and vendors.

10 . Proven ability to lead teams and initiate constructive changes without daily direction forming hypotheses and developing research methods accordingly.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS:

      1. Development of successful new product launches across multiple facilities and business divisions.

                2. Continuing process and product innovation of current processes and operations to include new technologies, new equipment, and questioning of the status quo.

            3. Ability to analyze data and make “cause and effect” assessments in an effort to advance our finished products.

                4. Support and work in a team-based atmosphere.

            5. Strong communication skills both verbally and analytically.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Shared supervision of lab technicians

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced Degree (preferred) in PostHarvest Physiology or Food Sciences related fields
• Work Experience:           At least 8 years in the Post-Harvest Technology field specifically associated with value-added leafy greens.
• Knowledge/Skills:           Complete understanding of raw material and plant physiology associated with finished product quality, shelf life, and food safety.
• Language Requirements:             English a must, Spanish beneficial.
• Other:  

1. Understanding of Post-Harvest Technology lab equipment.
2. Limited seasonal travel to include our Mexico operations.
3. Participation in external organizations centered around value added produce.