Technology Scientist, Citrus

We invite you to join Takasago, where you can be innovative and contribute to society through technology. The management of Takasago aims to create a company where each employee can experience a sense of fulfillment and happiness at a high level. Specifically, we strive to establish an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can work with joy and a sense of purpose, create a system that supports individual growth, and above all, implement management practices that enable employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Takasago is a major global leader and producer of flavors and fragrances providing innovative solutions in flavors, fragrances, aroma ingredients, and fine chemicals. Takasago is headquartered in Japan and operates in over 27 countries, with manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and sales offices worldwide. Takasago ranked 8th overall and 1st in Asia on the Global Top Food Flavors and Fragrances Companies.

Takasago’s mission is deeply rooted in innovation, leveraging advanced scientific research to develop cutting-edge products. We continuously seek out new technologies in sensory science, biotechnology, and green chemistry to produce novel flavors and fragrances. We aim to stay ahead of global trends by delivering innovative solutions that resonate with consumers' evolving tastes and preferences.

Takasago invests heavily in research and development to remain at the forefront of innovation in flavors and fragrances. We are committed to sustainability, focusing on natural and environmentally friendly ingredients. Our R&D centers are known for using advanced technology, including sensory science and biotechnological advancements, to create unique products.

Takasago’s corporate culture is shaped by its core values of innovation, customer focus, sustainability, and respect for diversity. The company promotes a forward-thinking environment that fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to think creatively while maintaining high ethical standards.

Job Summary:

We currently have an opportunity for a Technology Scientist, Citrus (TCH SCNT) located in Bartow, Florida. The Technology Scientist will execute strategies for advancing technical capabilities of the Citrus Center.

Key responsibilities include:

The incumbent will support Takasago’s global flavor and fragrance (R&D and Creative) communities by identifying/ evaluating raw material streams and providing process/equipment design input.

1. Execute technical transfer of newly developed products/technologies through pilot and process scale into commercially viable manufacturing
2. Contribute to the design of pilot- and production-scale manufacturing processes, equipment and systems in the key areas of natural product separation, isolation, extraction, and reaction
3. Serve as technical liaison on manufacturing process information to ensure research protocols are properly deployed and followed
4. Travel (5%) to Takasago affiliates (interfacing with colleagues and deploying products/technologies) and suppliers/clients (offering technical support and partnership engagement) as required
5. To support Takasago’s global operational facilities by providing continual process optimization input
6. Assist/troubleshoot the scale up of new citrus-related products for all manufacturing plants including Fit for Manufacturing (FFM) reviews
7. Execute all phases (design/acquisition/installation/commission/training) of new equipment and process implementation
8. Assist Maintenance, Production, and QC/QA in troubleshooting of equipment/process issues
9. Ensure plant safety by way of safe equipment/process design, following safety procedures/policies (i.e. PSM, LOTO, etc.) and taking part in safety studies (i.e. PHAs, JSAs, Root Cause Analysis, etc.)
10. To execute the analytical support function of the Citrus Center
11. Ensure current instrumentation is operable in order to analyze incoming raw materials, in-process intermediates, and finished products
12. Ensure methodologies are transferred and aligned with Takasago affiliates
13. To support daily functions and personnel located in Florida facilities
14. Perform all functions while following all safety and quality requirements
15. Manage Quality Control for Citrus Production Center
16. Operate, review data, and perform routine maintenance on analytical equipment
17. Fulfill requests for sample shipments and assist with product shipments
18. Other duties as needed.

Educational Qualifications:

Minimum B.S. in Sciences (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science)

Experience:

5-10 years in citrus flavor manufacturing and/or laboratory environments supporting Process Development, Pilot Plant, Manufacturing, Research, or Product Commercialization. Experience/knowledge of CAD process design and engineering schematics to support process development to commercialize processes. Hands-on operation of analytical instrumentation (gas/liquid chromatography).

The equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Training :

Lean and/or Six Sigma a strong plus. Process Safety Management a plus.

Competencies and Technical skills:

Proficient problem-solving and analytical skills; strong communication and presentation capabilities; enthusiastic and energetic personality who can work well with others. Indication of strong abilities and desire to commercialize new materials, products and technologies.

Physical demands: The candidate should be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. The position requires occasionally pushing, pulling or lifting equipment, lifting and/or pouring ingredients or other activities to facilitate the use of rental/research/plant equipment and/or for troubleshooting, commissioning or optimization purposes.

Work conditions: The Citrus Technology Scientist will work in various places such as, but not limited to manufacturing plants, laboratories, and offices within Takasago and Peace River Citrus Products. This will include working in areas of moderate noise level and high/low temperatures.

Invitation to apply:

Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter via LinkedIn. Any questions regarding the application process, please contact dackerly@takasago.com.

Takasago's Employee Benefits and Perks:

Takasago offers flexible work arrangements, tuition assistance, health benefits, employee discounts to various services and products, and life insurance 1.5 times your salary. When we think about employee success and financial security, we think long-term. Takasago provides robust retirement savings plans, as well as an employee assistance program. We hope you will join us and achieve professional growth and enrichment.

EEO Statement:

Takasago is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law.