Sr. Scientist - Cheese/ Frozen Snacks - Golden Valley, MN

JOB OVERVIEW:

Are you a scientific leader in processed cheese and emulsion food science? We are seeking a Senior R&D Scientist to become the Application team leader for a critical component of our Totino's products - the cheese! Your primary mission will be to demonstrate strong technical skills in cheese systems, develop a pipeline strategy, and serve as a team leader in this space.

In this role, you will be the subject matter expert on the intricate relationship between formulation, processing, and performance. Your work will directly impact the consumer experience. This is a unique opportunity to influence the entire product lifecycle, from raw material interaction and benchtop formulation to full-scale commercialization in the finished product.

This position demands scientific rigor and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. You will collaborate closely with our R&D Technology and Operations teams. You will also directly work with the business and have the chance to influence direction in this critical space.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Provide scientific thought leadership on cheese formulation through to the finished product experience
• Apply knowledge of the protein-fat matrix, hydrocolloid interactions, and ingredient functionality to solve technical challenges
• Act as the primary R&D liaison for our manufacturing facilities, troubleshooting various levers that impact ingredient stability and final product quality
• Design and execute rigorous experiments to build a fundamental understanding of our processed cheese formulas, leading to a pipeline of cost savings, renovation, and core stabilization projects
• Translate finished product needs into actionable formulation and processing targets
• Champion food safety and product quality from ingredient design through production and finished product application
• Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, and key ingredient suppliers to deliver the business plan and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure all product development activities comply with General Mills' quality standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's or Bachelor's in Food Science, Dairy Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific field with 5+ years of experience in product development or an applied science or a Ph.D in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related scientific fields with 2+ years of relevant experience in product development
• Demonstrated experience in product development for processed cheese, emulsions, and/or frozen foods
• Willingness to travel (up to 20%)
• Proven ability to deliver executional excellence and apply scientific rigor to solve complex problems
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional environment and provide key technical guidance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Food Science or a related field with a thesis or dissertation related to emulsion science, protein chemistry, or dairy/food lipids
• Deep technical expertise in analog cheese formulation, emulsion science, protein chemistry, fat crystallization, and/or hydrocolloid systems
• Proven experience solving technical challenges related to emulsion stability in complex food systems, particularly under the stress of freeze/thaw cycles
• Demonstrated ability to lead technically driven projects from concept through to successful commercialization in a manufacturing environment
• An innovative thinker with a strong bias for action, who is willing to challenge established methods and beliefs to drive technical breakthroughs

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis, and General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.
• This role is located in Golden Valley, MN and will not consider remote applicants or international applications. General Mills will provide relocation to the candidate selected for this role as long as they meet the relocation assistance policy.

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one other and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.