Description
Principal Scientist
Location:
Buffalo, NY, US, 14213
Req ID: 39136
Segment: Research & Development
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
Purpose Statement
This role is a subject matter expert within the Global Toppings, Creamers, and Culinary Solutions (TCCS) Center of Excellence under the Research, Innovation, and Compliance (RIC) organization. The Principal Scientist leads global, cross-functional initiatives to advance capabilities in fats and oils, emulsions, oleogels, and hydrogels focusing on their physical, chemical, and functional properties, as well as analytical methods for quality and safety assessment. By driving technology platforms and scalable product solutions, the role enables new revenue streams, accelerates time-to-market, ensures compliance with global food safety standards, and supports the 2030 Vision. Responsibilities also include mentoring global teams and fostering technical excellence.
This role is based in Buffalo, NY, with expected travel of up to 30%
Key Accountabilities and Outcomes
Innovation and Product Design
Lead global initiatives in fats, oils, and emulsion technologies to deliver innovative, scalable product solutions aligned with business growth objectives.
Identify and champion new platforms and technologies addressing consumer trends, sustainability goals, and market dynamics, leveraging expertise in fats and oils processing, functionality, and analytical testing.
Track emerging trends on alternative fat and oil sources and blends, emulsifiers, oleogels, hydrogels, clean-label formulations, digital manufacturing, and precision fermentation to inform long-term strategies and innovation roadmaps.
Convert insights into actionable innovation by partnering with Marketing, Procurement, Food Safety, Quality Assurance (FSQA), Sales, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure technical feasibility and commercial viability.
Drive cross-functional collaboration to balance technical feasibility, cost efficiency, and market relevance.
Technical Capability Building
Enhance global technical capabilities through targeted training, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
Analyze global quality metrics, customer and consumer feedback, and non-conformance trends to drive continuous improvement.
Develop global standards, ingredient specifications, and testing methodologies, while staying ahead of evolving regulations and industry best practices.
Technology Development & Intellectual Property Management
Drive development of new product platforms through advanced scientific and technological innovation.
Partner with Legal to define and execute IP strategies for proprietary fats and oils technologies including but not limited to emulsifiers, emulsions, oleogels and hydrogels.
Perform patent landscaping and competitive benchmarking to identify white space and strengthen innovation protection.
Lead invention disclosures and patent filings for novel processes, alternative fat and oil and emulsifier ingredients, and formulations.
Ensure global IP alignment across joint ventures, external partners, and internal teams to safeguard Rich Products’ innovation pipeline, enhance competitive advantage, and support long-term category growth.
Category Leadership & Strategy
Provide technical guidance and strategic direction to RIC Innovation teams and Business Units.
Implement global technical strategies on fats and oils and emulsions to protect and grow the category.
Support Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activities through technical due diligence and capability assessments.
Internal & External Collaboration
Build strong partnerships across Marketing, Procurement, Sales, Operations, and other RIC Centers of Excellence to drive innovative solutions.
Represent Rich Products at external scientific and research forums to showcase leadership in fats, oils, and emulsion technologies.
Deliver technical training in local markets and support global talent development.
Leadership & Organizational Development
Mentor cross-functional teams in design thinking, agile methodologies, and innovation best practices to accelerate product development.
Contribute to organizational design and process improvements that enhance R&D efficiency and collaboration.
Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning across global R&D functions.
Provide coaching and capability building, with limited supervisory responsibilities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, Food Process Engineering, Food Technology, Material Science, Chemistry or a related field.
Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of industrial/applied research experience.
Master’s degree with 8+ years of industrial/applied research experience.
Ph.D. with 5+ years of industrial/applied research experience.
Expert in lipid chemistry and functionality, applying deep knowledge of fatty acids, triglycerides, and phospholipids to optimize product performance and manage interfacial behavior in complex food systems.
Extensive experience in fats and oils, fats and oils blends, emulsifiers, emulsions, oleogels, hydrogels, and advanced characterization techniques to support innovative formulations.
Strong command of global food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, FSMA, GFSI, ISO) to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity.
Skilled in supplier auditing and raw material risk management, strengthening supply chain reliability and quality assurance.
Demonstrated progressive technical leadership in R&D, innovation, and product development.
Strong track record of innovation and commercialization in the food industry.
Ability to drive organizational change and foster a culture of innovation.
Senior-level technical leadership within R&D innovation teams.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
Experience working with global and remote teams.
Strong business results orientation with a focus on measurable impact.
Sound decision-making with a balanced approach to risk and opportunity.
Work Environment & Safety Notice
Research and Development laboratories are not food-allergen-free environments. Individuals with severe food allergies should consider this before applying.
Employees may occasionally be exposed to Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) detergents through smell or incidental contact during routine operations.
Exposure to food ingredients, chemicals, and cleaning agents is expected; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training will be provided to minimize risks.
Work may occur in varying temperature environments, including refrigerated and heated areas.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs safely.
Stand for 6 or more hours during the workday, with opportunities for sitting.
Regular bending, stooping, crouching, and reaching to access equipment, materials, and storage areas.
Ability to work in confined spaces and at various heights, including occasional climbing of ladders or steps.
Push, pull, and maneuver carts, bins, and equipment, including heavy items with the assistance of mechanical aids when necessary.
Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling small components and operating precision instruments.
Ability to use hand tools and equipment safely and effectively as required for operating various laboratory or production equipment.
Sensory ability to compare and distinguish differences in ingredients, materials, and products through taste, smell, touch, and visual inspection.
Ability to follow all safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques and ergonomic practices.
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COMPENSATION
In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.
Annual Range/Hourly Rate
$113,631.22 - $170,446.83
