Associate Director of R&D - Palatants

Overview

Kemin Nutrisurance is hiring an Associate Director of R&D to lead our Palatants Discovery group! This key leadership role will guide and support the strategic direction, planning, and day-to-day operations of the business unit’s research team. The Associate Director will spearhead long-term planning initiatives, shape research priorities, and help manage the unit’s research budget. As a member of the Business Unit Leadership Team, this position plays a vital role in driving innovation and collaboration across the organization.

Candidates must be based in Des Moines, Iowa, or be willing to relocate. 

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. 

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for volunteering in your community

Responsibilities

• Set team goals within a significant portfolio of projects that drives business growth. 
• Develop, review, and coach others on research plans, literature reviews, laboratory experiments, SOP’s, research protocol and be a center of excellence for team members.
• Lead IP strategy for area of focus.
• Overall management responsibility for a scientific team with a BU; create culture that ensures all are working toward shared goals.
• Assist team members with creating SMART goals, development plans and coach team members to reach goals.
• Mentor and coach team members on technical processes, personal development and business issues.
• Independently identify and lead external research collaborations to obtain new intellectual property.
• Participate with management to lead and drive strategic planning process and decisions and manage research budget.
• Lead customer meetings if technical expertise is required.
• Interpret advanced data analysis; review other's data analysis for accuracy, thoroughness and compliance.
• Coach others on the proper analysis needed for different types projects.
• Develop of find innovative data analysis methods needed for projects.
• Present information on Kemin's behalf at scientific meetings and trade shows.
• Review internal publications and external scientific journal publications and regulatory submissions.
• Coach others in writing and preparing communications for internal or external publication.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  • Bachelors degree in a scientific related field with 15+ years of experience OR
  • Masters degree in a scientific related field with 10+ years of experience OR
  • PhD with 7+ years of experience 
• Experience in a leadership role within pet food is highly desired. 
• Superb attention to detail; produces work of exceptional quality and accuracy.
• Excellent scientific skills in experiment design and data collection with ability to perform advanced statistical analysis.
• Very strong analytical and problem solving skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking.
• Ability to proactively identify issues and address with solutions-oriented approach.
• Proven interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills; fluent in English, both written and oral.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment; able to manage competing priorities; excellent time management skills.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Travel up to 25%. 

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is an equal opportunity employer, and all reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

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