Senior Research Scientist - R&D

The Hershey Company is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Scientist to join our Research and Development team in Surendra Nagar, Gujarat, India. This role reports to the DGM R&D Chocolates & Confy and is responsible for leading projects focused on driving innovation and growth for Hershey India Private Limited in the chocolates, spreads, and confectionery categories. The position also involves supporting prototyping for international key markets when required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead projects of low to medium complexity from conception to completion.
• Develop new chocolate, spreads, confectionery products, and associated processes.
• Assist in critical phases of major, complex, or high-scope projects.
• Apply logic and reason to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems.
• Utilize problem-solving skills through the application of knowledge and creative thinking.
• Ensure successful project execution and technology transfer to manufacturing.
• Evaluate the costs and benefits of potential actions to select the most appropriate approach.
• Identify complex problems, review related information, and develop/evaluate options for implementation.
• Observe, record, and evaluate experimental data to draw sound conclusions.
• Prepare comprehensive project reports and presentations.
• Manage product life cycles, conduct shelf-life studies, and maintain related documentation.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Operations, and Plant Quality Assurance.
• Work closely with Quality and Regulatory Compliance teams.
• Partner with Technical and professional employees within Global R&D.
• Engage with Procurement and Marketing departments.
• Liaise with Engineering teams.
• Interact with external vendors and suppliers.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Execute new product development projects.
• Contribute to product and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Commercial teams to generate new ideas.
• Provide essential support to Quality Assurance and Production functions.
• Manage interactions with vendors and suppliers, sharing relevant R&D information.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Postgraduate or graduate degree in Food Science/Technology or related sciences is desirable.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), analytical techniques, chocolate, confectionery, or snack technologies.
• Experience in research methodology and project processes.
• Proficiency in operating laboratory, pilot plant, and plant equipment.
• Excellent mathematical and computer skills.
• Familiarity with New Product Development processes.
• Substantial experience in food product research and development.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry principles and ingredient functionality is desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of dairy technology, sensory testing, and flavor applications.
• Experience with Value Analysis, Scope of Work definition, and Operations/Manufacturing.
• Understanding of regulatory and standards compliance.
• Proficiency in technical writing and research methodology.
• Expertise in analytical techniques and ingredient supplier knowledge.
• Experience with Scale-up/plant test processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across regions, departments, and all organizational levels.

Education and Experience:

• Education: Postgraduate / graduate in Food Science/Technology or related sciences.
• Experience: 6+ years of experience in a related field.