Senior Research Scientist

Job Location: Hershey, PA Role Overview: This position is responsible for providing microbiological SME support to the manufacturing and co-manufacturing plants, supplier quality management (SQM), R&D, and the micro service team. SME support includes but not limited to advanced micro detection technical support, complex micro issue troubleshooting at manufacturing, supplier, and co-manufacturing plants, using data to assess process control, and advising on micro sampling/specs for low water activity food matrices. Individual will also be responsible for design, conduct, and report research projects to serve business needs. Responsibilities: 1. Provide technical support for advanced micro detection methodologies. Conduct literature reviews and advise on methods modification and optimization. 2. Partner with micro team and/or plant QA staff to troubleshooting complex micro incidents in micro lab, manufacturing environments and/or products. Coach technicians or other lab team members for development in this area. 3. Assist with new project work microbiological evaluation & risk assessments. Conduct microbiological risk assessments of manufacturing lines as needed. 4. Review and trend the environmental microbiological monitoring program (EMMP) and product testing results and provide holistically recommendations. Support in EMMP CAPA processes, 5. Conduct Internal & External audits for microbiological control programs and effectiveness. 6. Continuously review and improve micro related policies, standards, and procedures based on evolving of food micro landscape, industry directions, and lessons learned internally and externally. 7. Responsible for design, conduct, and report research projects to serve business needs. Qualifications: A robust working technical knowledge of food microbiology and food science processes and/or instrumentation to identify and recommend control and/or monitoring techniques for food safety and quality. Experience in working with foodborne pathogens related to low water activity foods. Experience in conducting failure analysis and root cause investigation. Superior working knowledge of regulatory and quality system requirements –HACCP, HARPC, Good Manufacturing Process (GMP), Sanitation principles, etc.. PCQI certification Better Process Control School: Process authority certification preferred. Great communication skills in verbal and written form. Interprets and evaluates complex information, while identifying defect patterns and quality related issues. Experience & Education: M.S. in Food Microbiology, Food Science, or related science field 3 years of manufacturing plant and microbiology laboratory experience handling microbiological root cause analyses & Environmental Microbiological Monitoring Programs The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individuals race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact the HR Service Center (askhr@hersheys.com).