Assistant Scientist

Role Mission

This position will report to the Group Manager of Product Innovation and Technical Research. This role enables Suntory Global Spirits (SGS)  R&D teams to provide timely samples, testing and business commitments for new process and product development, pilot plant testing, product innovation, stability testing, sensory testing and analysis, sample preparation and other related day to day critical business requirements.  Primary focus will be conducting experiments, analysis, maintenance, or testing processes based on standard operating procedures and guidance from scientists and engineers.  This role will support the creation of innovative consumer and customer driven new products/platforms, quality improvements and cost savings, to drive SGS’s profitable growth and business success.

What makes this a great opportunity?

•    The spirits industry is an exciting, dynamic, and fast-paced business.  Suntory Global Spirits is a top player in the spirits business and focused on driving both category and brand growth. 
•    Opportunity to work closely with internal cross-functional teams to help create and commercialize products and processes.  
•    This role enables Suntory Global Spirits to provide timely samples, testing and business commitments for new process and product development, pilot plant testing, product innovation, stability testing, sample preparation and other related day to day critical business requirements.  

Role Responsibilities

•    Executes responsibilities under broad guidelines set by the researcher.  Responsible for appropriate selection, set-up and adjustment of experimental materials and equipment.  
•    Manages own time and prioritizes work to deliver on the needs of the scientists and engineers.  Aligns to clear due dates with each requestor, tracking work, communicating variances from expectations and proactively providing options for ways to move forward.  
•    Consistently and accurately provides data, tracking, samples, solutions, etc on the project being supported for the scientists/engineers, observing and reacting to situations in the lab and adjusting/re-calibrating as necessary.  
•    Communicates with manager and team members on a regular basis, with schedule updates and recommendations for efficiency and effectiveness improvements.  Communicates with other SGS and external personnel as needed, such as marketing, ingredient and equipment suppliers, to facilitate work.
•    Supports Sensory laboratory activities including, sample preparation, evaluation, data system expertise and lab maintenance.
•    Leads sensory training sessions for employees and customers.
•    Plan and execute experiments using established laboratory/pilot plant/operation methods: interpreting results and translating into solutions.  Follow best practices and SOPs for development and promote process improvements for procedures and practices.  
•    Lead and assist with laboratory clean up, including managing and discarding of waste, proper disposal of sample materials, cleaning and organization of glassware and utensils, etc.  

Qualifications

•    B.S Food Science or related science required, M.S Food Science or related science preferred.   Experience with Statistics, Product Development or Sensory a plus.   
•    Experience in food and/or beverage industry preferred.    
•    Proficient skills in planning and performing experiments, data collection, analysis and interpretation.  
•    Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.  Strong working knowledge of standard lab operating procedures. 
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills, including timely follow-up and commitment to deliverables, and openness to give and receive feedback.   
•    Desire to help build and maintain a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within Global R&D and broader Beam Suntory.
•    Team player with cooperative, collaborative style supported by good listening and partnering skills.  Culturally sensitive, with ability to work in a global multicultural cross functional organization, requiring ability to work effectively across cultures, time zones to accommodate global responsibilities.  
•    Ability to travel to partner in project work with internal and external clients, as well as support implementation at SGS facilities – travel approx. 5-10% mainly within Kentucky.  
•    Physically fit for work primarily in a lab, pilot plant and manufacturing environments, which includes long periods of standing, moving, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds.
•    Must be able to taste limited quantities of alcoholic beverage samples in accordance with evaluation/research needs.