Analytical Flavor Chemist

Kemin Industries is offering an exciting opportunity for an Associate Scientist to join our innovative team driving product development in the fast-evolving world of pet food palatants -with a special focus on proteins and flavor chemistry. This role is perfect for someone with a strong chemistry background who’s eager to explore novel technologies that have yet to be applied in the pet food industry. Your work will help unlock new insights into feeding behavior and deliver next-level palatability for companion animals.

This is a chance to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where science meets strategy.

The ideal candidate is analytical, hands-on, and curious, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insights. If you thrive in a lab setting, love working with instrumentation, and are driven by precision and innovation, we want to hear from you.

This position is located in Des Moines, Iowa. Relocation assistance may be available to candidates outside of a commutable distance. 

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. 

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

• Independently conduct innovative scientific experiments and translate research into practical applications. 
• Perform literature reviews and provide written summaries that are incorporated into strategy.
• Independently develop and review SOP’s, research protocols and research methods; design safety procedures.
• Independently perform advanced data analysis and review other’s data to provide input and insight.
• Independently, collect, interpret and document research data.
• Generate scientific publications for internal and external publication, with guidance and review.
• Prepare and present data analytics and research in multiple formats both internally and externally.
• Review internal publication across Kemin.
• Identify and participate in external research collaborations.
• Contribute to strategic planning process and customer meetings.
• Provides instruction and training to interns and junior staff.
• Other duties/projects as assigned.

• Education and Experience:
  • Bachelors Degree in a Scientific related field (Food Science, Meat Science, or Flavor/Sensory Science) with 7+ years of relative experience OR
  • Masters Degree in a Scientific related field (Food Science, Meat Science, or Flavor/Sensory Science) with 3+ years of relative experience OR
  • PhD in a Scientific related field (Food Science, Meat Science, or Flavor/Sensory Science) with no experience is highly preferred.
• Must be able to work independently or on a team and have the ability to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent Scientific skills in experiment design and data collection, able to maintain instruments.
• Detail oriented, organized, prioritization skills and motivated by accomplishment.
• Ability to understand and perform advanced statistical analysis.
• Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• Fluent in English. Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to present ideas effectively.
• Advanced computer knowledge (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is an equal opportunity employer, and all reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

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