Kraft Heinz
Sr Sci, R&D - Fermentation Scientist
United States · Work style not stated · Full time
Apply on the employer’s site ↗See how well you match this job
You apply directly with the employer. ROLIVA does not submit applications from this page and is not the employer.
About the role
Description from the employer’s posting. Check the employer’s page for the current version.
- EmployerKraft Heinz
- LocationUnited States
- Work styleWork style not stated
- Employment typeFull time
- Employer posted
Job Description
Senior Scientist, R&D – FermentationScientist
The Senior Scientist, R&D – FermentationScientistis part of the central Research & Development organization on the Fermentation & Biotechnology team at the Kraft Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. This roleleadsmicrobiology and fermentation technology development through the design and execution of research projects. The role combines hands-on bench microbiology, bench- and pilot-scale fermentation, and understanding of commercial-scale processes.
This person will apply strong scientific judgment to solve technical challenges, translate findings into clear recommendations, and connect technical work to business and commercialization needs. Success in this role requires critical thinking, collaboration, project leadership, and comfort working with ambiguity.
This role partners closely with internal brandR&Dteams and cross-functional stakeholders, including R&D, Procurement, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and external scientific collaborators.
Show full description
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE ROLE:
Diagnose microbial, process, and equipment-related deviations in culture production, and partner with Operations and R&D to resolve root causes
Providetechnical guidance on dairy starter culture performance, stability, and strain behavior under manufacturing conditions
Perform bench microbiology, including plating, enumeration, isolation, strain verification, and media design and optimization for lactic and acetic acid bacteria
Conduct small-scale fermentation runs using INFORS and Eppendorf DASGIP systems to model andoptimizeprocess conditions
Design experiments tooptimizefermentation processes and translate bench findings to pilot scale
Design, support, and execute microbiology and fermentation research projects, then summarize results for technical and non-technicalaudiences
Apply scientific principles to new situations and products while managing work with a high degree of autonomy
Build proof of concept and business cases for innovative ideas
Identifyand communicate the broader implications of proof-of-concept results, includingfinancial impact, scale-up risks, and timeline considerations
Independently lead internal research projects and external collaborations
Partner with cross-functional teams to lead and support projects from concept through commercialization, including Marketing, Operations, Quality, External Manufacturers, and Procurement
Maintainaccuratelab records, SOPs, and technical reports
QUALIFICATIONS:
B.S. degree inMicrobiology, Food Science and Technology, Fermentation Sciences, or related fields. M.S. or PhD preferred
Minimum of4yearsof relevant experience withBachelor’sdegreeOR3 years of relevant experience with Master’sOR2 years of relevant experience with PhD
Strong working knowledge of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and microbial physiology relevant to food fermentation
Experience with operating bench scale fermenter systems.Experience withINFORSor Eppendorf DASGIP systems preferred
Familiarity with commercial fermentation systemsrequired
Demonstratedproficiencyin plating, enumeration, strain isolation, and general microbiological techniques
Experienceor familiaritywith starter culture manufacturing
Familiarity with microbial genetics, strain characterization, molecular tools, and metagenomic analyses
Strong critical thinking skills and ability to make connections to the big pictureand understanding of business impact
Strong understanding of Design of Experiments, laboratory experimentation, and data analysis skills.
Ability to interpret data,identifyprocess deviations, and propose solutions
Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.
Willingness to travel up to10-30% of the time.
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$89,800.00 - $112,200.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contactNAZTAOps@kraftheinz.comfor assistance.
Check your resume against this job Free, no sign-up. Nothing you paste is stored.
Staying safe while you apply
- Never pay to apply, interview or accept an offer. ROLIVA never asks you for payment to apply to a job.
- Apply only through the official “Apply on the employer’s site” button, on the employer’s own site, and check that a recruiter’s email uses that employer’s own domain rather than a free email address.
- Be cautious of an offer made with no real interview, or pressure to decide quickly or share financial details early.
Does something look wrong with this listing? Use “Report broken link” in the role details, or read ROLIVA’s full job-safety guidance ↗.
Preparing for this role with ROLIVA
- Check the fit.
Compare the requirements with the experience you have confirmed, including gaps.
- Prepare honestly.
Build interview stories and application drafts from your own evidence.
- Keep track.
Save the role and record your own application status and follow-ups.
At a glance
- Employment typeFull time
- SenioritySenior
- Employer posted
- Added to ROLIVA
- Last checked