We are seeking an R&D Associate who will be responsible for understanding pet and pet parent's needs and translating them into technical requirements and consumer models to drive business impact. Under direct supervision, the R&D Associate will leverage technical thinking skills to bring together consumer needs, science and technology into successful product innovation and renovation. He/she will assist with technology or capability advances and will be assigned to work on important business and technical challenges. Our client is one of the leaders in the American pet food market, headquartered in California with a factory in Kansas and other business units in Paraguay and Brazil. Availability for travel and relocation is required. The hired professional will work for one year in Brazil and then be transferred to the Kansas unit. Fluent English is mandatory. This position will actively collaborate, build and leverage relationships with cross-functional partners such as Marketing, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Business Development, Sales and Operations to achieve established shared goals or objectives and will report to the R&D Scientist, Product Development Manager, R&D Director, and/or VP of Business Development. Position Responsibilities: Conceptualize and develop new products prototypes. New Product Formulation: Formulate new products with line of sight to final ingredient statement, nutritional profile and product attributes and specifications, utilizing formulation software Develop and document the process for the manufacture of the new product. Conduct plant trials and new product start-ups. Plan, prioritize and complete tasks effectively and efficiently. Complete project objectives under the direction of supervisor. Maintain accurate and complete records. Execute experiments and prepare results for review. Develop prototypes that deliver project objectives. This may include ordering and weighing ingredients, as well as assembling prototypes for product evaluation. Assist in shelf-life studies, evaluating ingredients and suppliers for ingredient quality, preparation of raw or finished product specifications Perform duties while adhering to applicable food quality, safety, and regulatory requirements and standards Position Requirements: BS in Food Science, Animal Science, Grain Science, or related field required 1 year relevant work experience preferred; internships and lab experience will be considered Proficient in Microsoft Office products. Fluent English (reading, writing and conversation) Clear, concise written and verbal communication. Pro-active self-starter, willing to accept responsibility for business tasks. Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.