About this opportunity
Kraft Heinz lists this Sr Sci, R&D - Fermentation Scientist opportunity in glenview, Illinois. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Senior Scientist, R&D – Fermentation Scientist
The Senior Scientist, R&D – Fermentation Scientist is part of the central Research & Development organization on the Fermentation & Biotechnology team at the Kraft Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. This role leads microbiology and fermentation technology development through the design and execution of research projects. The role combines hands‑on bench microbiology, bench- and pilot-scale fermentation, and understanding of commercial-scale processes.
Job Description
This person will apply strong scientific judgment to solve technical challenges, translate findings into clear recommendations, and connect technical work to business and commercialization needs. Success in this role requires critical thinking, collaboration, project leadership, and comfort working with ambiguity.
This role partners closely with internal brand R&D teams and cross-functional stakeholders, including R&D, Procurement, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and external scientific collaborators.
Key Components Of The Role
Diagnose microbial, process, and equipment-related deviations in culture production, and partner with Operations and R&D to resolve root causes
Provide technical guidance on dairy starter culture performance, stability, and strain behavior under manufacturing conditions
Perform bench microbiology, including plating, enumeration, isolation, strain verification, and media design and optimization for lactic and acetic acid bacteria
Conduct small-scale fermentation runs using INFORS and Eppendorf DASGIP systems to model and optimize process conditions
Design experiments to optimize fermentation processes and translate bench findings to pilot scale
Design, support, and execute microbiology and fermentation research projects, then summarize results for technical and non-technical audiences
Apply scientific principles to new situations and products while managing work with a high degree of autonomy
Build proof of concept and business cases for innovative ideas
Identify and communicate the broader implications of proof-of-concept results, including financial impact, scale-up risks, and timeline considerations
Independently lead internal research projects and external collaborations
Partner with cross-functional teams to lead and support projects from concept through commercialization, including Marketing, Operations, Quality, External Manufacturers, and Procurement
Maintain accurate lab records, SOPs, and technical reports
Qualifications
B.S. degree in Microbiology, Food Science and Technology, Fermentation Sciences, or related fields. M.S. or PhD preferred
Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience with Bachelor’s degree OR 3 years of relevant experience with Master’s OR 2 years of relevant experience with PhD
Strong working knowledge of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and microbial physiology relevant to food fermentation
Experience with operating bench scale fermenter systems. Experience with INFORS or Eppendorf DASGIP systems preferred
Familiarity with commercial fermentation systems required
Demonstrated proficiency in plating, enumeration, strain isolation, and general microbiological techniques
Experience or familiarity with starter culture manufacturing
Familiarity with microbial genetics, strain characterization, molecular tools, and metagenomic analyses
Strong critical thinking skills and ability to make connections to the big picture and understanding of business impact
Strong understanding of Design of Experiments, laboratory experimentation, and data analysis skills.
Ability to interpret data, identify process deviations, and propose solutions
Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.
Willingness to travel up to 10-30% of the time.
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range
$89,800.00 - $112,200.00
Bonus
This position is eligible for a performance‑based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well‑being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
Benefits
Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact for assistance.
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Worksite address
glenview, IL, 60025, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.