New

Contractor Research Scientist

Spectraforce Technologies
United States, Pennsylvania, Hershey
Apr 24, 2026
Title: Contractor Research Scientist, Sweets and Refreshment Product Development Location: Hershey, PA, 17033 Duration: 9-12 months Overview: The Scientist within the Sweets & Refreshment Product Development R&D Team is responsible for assisting other scientists on high complexity initiatives, leading workstreams within larger initiatives, and/or leading low complexity initiatives with support. A low to medium level of autonomy is required depending upon the workstream. S/he is responsible for maintaining compliance on all GMPs and all food and people safety protocols in the lab and pilot plant. Work may be performed independently or under minimal supervision and routinely involves repetitive tasks on a daily or weekly basis. The Scientist will be expected to create trial plans and test protocols, write reports capturing results and conclusions, and present findings and recommended next steps for further work. A strong understanding of principles of food chemistry and ingredient functionality is desirable. Successful candidates will work in partnership with scientists and engineers to create samples and prototypes using different technologies and methods. Scientist will also be responsible for learning to operate and maintain different pieces of lab and pilot plant equipment and documenting procedures for set-up, operation, and cleaning of processing equipment. A successful candidate learns how to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge while developing and sharing technical expertise within functional areas and cross functionally within the organization. Typical Day: 60% Partnering with project leaders to prepare for and perform equipment trials, making samples using equipment and new technologies, and cleaning equipment 30% Developing trial protocols, entering data, analysis, documenting experiments, developing SOPs, and presenting / reporting results and conclusions to the team. 10% Other administrative tasks, and training (online and hands on) Top Three Technical Skills: 40% ability to prepare and execute trials on food equipment in pilot plant 30% ability to develop written documentation and/or communicate orally 30% ability to collaborate with partners on a cross functional team Pre-Screening Questions: Are you open to and willing to travel to manufacturing sites located outside of the client's site area including Canada and Mexico? (Travel could be up to 50% at times.) Do you have any issues working overtime, long days, particularly in a manufacturing environment? Have you worked in a lab or pilot plant creating prototypes, or performing designed experiments? What does a successful team look like to you? How do you see yourself fitting into this role? How do you feel you will handle changing priorities and managing multiple priorities simultaneously? Can you give an example of how you took an unclear goal or objective, defined what needed to be done, and developed an action plan that produced tangible results? What were the results achieved? Must Haves/ Recessions (i.e. years of experience?) BS in Science/Engineering related field is desirable Food related work (specifically hard candy and gummies technology) experience is a plus Desire to work in the food industry and Hershey, PA area Ability to travel for work outside of the Hershey, PA area Ability to work overtime as needed Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities: Ability to develop and execute designed experiments on pilot scale equipment. Well-developed oral and written communication skills. Ability to handle allergens including dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs and other food ingredient chemicals and allergens while wearing appropriate PPE. Experience with basic Microsoft programs, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. Ability to effectively plan and execute multiple priorities while being flexible and adaptive to change. General knowledge of food GMPs. Software Skills and Purpose (if applicable): MS Office Project