Assistant Scientist

What makes this a great opportunity?

This position will report to the Group Manager of Product Innovation and Technical Research. This role enables Suntory Global Spirits (SGS) R&D teams to provide timely samples, testing and business commitments for new process and product development, pilot plant testing, product innovation, stability testing, sensory testing and analysis, sample preparation and other related day to day critical business requirements. The role operates in a dynamic environment where day-to-day priorities may shift based on project timelines, laboratory needs and business requirements. Primary focus will be independently executing assigned experiments, analysis, maintenance and testing using established methods, standard operating procedures and technical guidance from scientists and engineers. The supporting scientist or engineer retains ownership of the broader project strategy and technical direction, while this role is responsible for executing assigned work, recognizing issues and communicating findings, risks and changes. This role will support the creation of innovative consumer and customer driven new products/platforms, quality improvements and cost savings, to drive SGS’s profitable growth and business success.

Role Responsibilities

•    Independently executes assigned responsibilities using established methods, standard operating procedures and technical direction from the supporting scientist or engineer. Responsible for appropriate selection, set-up and adjustment of experimental materials and equipment within the established approach, and escalates decisions that may impact timing or quality.
•    Manages a dynamic workload supporting multiple scientists and engineers, with priorities that may shift based on project timelines, laboratory needs and business requirements. Aligns with requestors and manager on priorities and clear due dates, tracks work, communicates status and variances from expectations, and escalates competing priorities when alignment is needed. Proactively identifies and communicates options for ways to move assigned work forward.
•    Consistently and accurately provides data, tracking, samples, solutions, etc. for the projects being supported by scientists and engineers. Observes and reacts to situations in the lab, adjusting or re-calibrating as necessary, and communicates unexpected results or issues that may require technical direction.
•    Communicates with manager and team members on a regular basis, providing schedule updates, status, risks and recommendations for efficiency and effectiveness improvements. Communicates with other SGS and external personnel as needed, such as marketing, ingredient and equipment suppliers, to facilitate assigned work and support project execution.
•    Supports Sensory laboratory activities including, sample preparation, evaluation, data system expertise and lab maintenance.
•    Supports and, as assigned, leads sensory training sessions for employees and customers.
•    Supports the planning and independently executes assigned experiments using established laboratory, pilot plant and operational methods. Collects and analyzes data, identifies observations or unexpected results, and communicates findings to the supporting scientist or engineer to inform technical decisions and next steps. Follows best practices and SOPs and identifies opportunities to improve procedures and practices.
•    Leads and assists with laboratory clean up, including managing and discarding of waste, proper disposal of sample materials, cleaning and organization of glassware and utensils, etc.

Qualifications

•    B.S Food Science or related science required, M.S Food Science or related science preferred.   Experience with Statistics, Product Development or Sensory a plus.   
•    Experience in food and/or beverage industry preferred.    
•    Proficient skills in planning and performing experiments, data collection, analysis and interpretation.   Ability to independently execute assigned work, recognize issues and escalate technical or priority decisions appropriately.
•    Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.  Strong working knowledge of standard lab operating procedures. 
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills, including timely follow-up and commitment to deliverables, and openness to give and receive feedback.   
•    Desire to help build and maintain a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within Global R&D and broader Suntory Global Spirits. 
•    Team player with cooperative, collaborative style supported by good listening and partnering skills.  Culturally sensitive, with ability to work in a global multicultural cross functional organization, requiring ability to work effectively across cultures, time zones to accommodate global responsibilities.  
•    Ability to travel to partner in project work with internal and external clients, as well as support implementation at SGS facilities – travel approx. 5-10% mainly within Kentucky.  
•    Physically fit for work primarily in a lab, pilot plant and manufacturing environments, which includes long periods of standing, moving, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds.
•    Must be able to taste limited quantities of alcoholic beverage samples in accordance with evaluation/research needs.