Research and Development Research Specialist at Hormel Foods · Willmar

Summary: Hormel Foods is a leader in the food industry, and they are seeking an R&D Research Specialist. The role involves managing research activities, conducting data analysis, and providing support to scientists in various R&D areas to enhance food safety and product development. Responsibilities: - Utilizes strong Excel skills for management of farm-to-fork monitoring, mitigation, and elimination research activities for myriad cross-functional stakeholders - Conduct data analysis and generation of reports in support of decisions concerning USDA-FSIS poultry performance standards and regulatory compliance - Ability to think through and manipulate multiple databases to provide support for solutions of problems - Analyzes, evaluates, translates data, and communicates results that will lead to improved, innovative, and creative applications to support the company goals and objectives - Identifying and troubleshooting functionality updates to Jennie-O Lab Information Management System for company users - Provide support to scientists and development leaders in numerous areas of R&D (food safety research, product development, sensory/shelf-life, and thermal processing) - May assist benchtop laboratory studies utilizing chemical and biological materials - May assist with shelf-life studies, product evaluations, data collection, analysis, and reporting, including assembly of equipment for required experiments - Management of annual preventative maintenance schedules of R&D analytical equipment - Proof, format, and distribute research reports. Maintain project time sheets, track PTO, business travel, and other absences, including PCard reconciliation. Have knowledge of scanning equipment, inserting, and reformatting scanned items into appropriate documents as needed Required Qualifications: - Two-year degree (BS preferred) and/or 1 – 5 yrs data management experience - Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); Word and PowerPoint - Effective ability to work independently and cross-functionally with others - Demonstrated use of strong organizational skills, problem solving, prioritizing, and the ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams - Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills - Must be capable of working several hours in a 38°F cooler or for short periods of time in a 0°F freezer - Must be capable of standing for extended periods of time - Occasionally lift 20 – 30 lbs. and may, on occasion, lift up to 50 lbs Preferred Qualifications: - Two-year degree (BS preferred) in a related field (Poultry/Meat/Animal/Food Sciences; Microbiology) - Proficient use of Pivot Tables - Experience with LIMS programs - Ability to work independently - Understanding of vertically integrated poultry/animal industries Required Skills: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Data management, Pivot Tables, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Food safety research, Product development, Sensory evaluation, Shelf-life studies, Thermal processing, Poultry/Meat/Animal/Food Sciences, Microbiology, Vertically integrated poultry/animal industry knowledge, Cross-functional teamwork Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, Discretionary annual merit increases, Profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, Stock purchase plan, Paid vacation, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees